Written Answers Nos. 418-442
419. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason all universities do not have the same criteria for retirement under the Universities Act 1997. [36185/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUniversities are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997 and have autonomy in relation to human resource policies, subject to compliance with Government policy in respect of employment numbers and pay policy, and are not under the direct control of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Universities have their own pension schemes however, they are obliged to comply with employment legislation, including pension related legislation, whereby retirement criteria are determined.
420. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a person (details supplied) can amend their higher education access route, HEAR, application to include their 2019 income rather than the 2020 income that was submitted with the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36279/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the HEAR scheme is operated by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) www.iua.ie. The IUA set the policy criteria for the scheme. Admissions under the schemes are regulated by the higher education institutions themselves. Each institution determines its own admissions policy in relation to the schemes, the number of places they reserve and the allocation of those places.
Applications to the scheme are submitted to the Central Applications Office (CAO) who coordinate the scheme for participating institutions.
As such, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has no role in the policy criteria or operation of the scheme.
HEAR use a Review and Appeals process to make sure that all HEAR applicants are treated fairly and the assessment procedures have been applied consistently. Further information is available at www.accesscollege.ie/hear/making-an-application/hear-review-and-appeals/.
421. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address the barrier Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, grant applications and recipients are facing in accessing accommodation through the rent-a-room scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36319/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor student grant purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
A student may be assessed as an independent student (i.e. assessed without reference to parental income and address) if he/she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course, and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents from the previous 1st October. Otherwise, he/she would be assessed as a dependent student, i.e. assessed with reference to parental income and address.
The type of issue referred to by the Deputy usually arises where an applicant wishes to apply as an independent Student and is requested to provide evidence of same.
Article 13(3) of the Student Grant Scheme 2021 states that an “independent student” means a mature student who did not ordinarily reside with his or her parents, or either of them, from October of the year before the first point of entry to an approved post leaving certificate course or an approved higher education course or re-entry to an approved course and where it is established to the satisfaction of the awarding authority that they are eligible on that basis.
SUSI does not require Rent-a-Room applicants to be registered with the RTB. However, if an applicant is unable to provide any of the accepted documentation listed below and is refused a grant, they may lodge an appeal to the SUSI Appeals Officer. The Appeals Officer may than request additional documents where an applicant provides evidence of their address and the address that their parent(s) resides as evidence of living separately and independently.
The documentation accepted as evidence of living independently is any of the following;
- A letter confirming that the address is registered with Residential Tenancies Board (RTB);
- A Local Authority lease agreement or a letter confirming the applicant's rental under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) or any Government housing scheme/arrangement. Private housing lease agreements will not be accepted;
- A letter on headed paper from a Rental Agency confirming the applicant's tenancy;
- A letter confirming the receipt and period of Rent Allowance, Mortgage Interest Supplement or Housing Assistance Payment (HAP);
- A utility bill in the applicant's own name, for example; landline telephone, fixed broadband, gas, electricity, cable/satellite television bill, home heating bills, waste bills, mortgage statements and/or property tax letters. SUSI does not accept mobile telephone bills. If the utility bills in the household are in the applicant's spouse’s name, a marriage certificate should be provided with the utility bill. If an applicant is co-habiting, SUSI will accept utility bills in the applicant's partner’s name covering the relevant period together with correspondence e.g. bank statement/Statement of Liability issued to the applicant at the same address and covering the relevant period; and/or
- Official documentation posted to the applicant at the address and relating to the applicant's residence there. For example, a letter from the Department of Social Protection confirming Rent Allowance at the address. It should be noted that SUSI do not accept bank statements alone for this purpose.
A letter confirming registration with the RTB is one of the forms of documentation which SUSI accepts for independent residency; however, SUSI do not require applicants to be registered with the RTB.
Further information regarding class of applicant (independent or dependent) and the types of documentation accepted as evidence of living independently from parents is available from SUSI’s website: susi.ie/eligibility/applicant-class/.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe. Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria to be assessed as an independent student for grant purposes, or who cannot supply the necessary documentation to establish independent living for the required period, may still apply to SUSI to have their grant eligibility assessed as a dependent student. The relevant information, including details of parental income, would be required by SUSI to determine grant eligibility as a dependent student.
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.
422. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will examine the situation whereby students who are previously classed as dependent and subsequently become independent (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36320/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Student Grant Scheme is to provide additional assistance where parental income is below a certain threshold, or in the case of independent mature students, where the level of income of the student and his or her spouse warrants additional assistance by way of a grant.
For student grant purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
A student may be assessed as an independent student (i.e. assessed without reference to parental income and address) if he/she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course, and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents from the previous 1st October. Otherwise, he/she would be assessed as a dependent student, i.e. assessed with reference to parental income and address.
A student’s status for grant purposes is defined at their first point of entry to an approved further or higher education course or at their point of re-entry to an approved course following a break in studies of at least three years, and continues to apply for the duration of their studies.
However, there are points at which a student may reclassify from a dependent student to an independent student. These are where he/she:
- Progresses from further education to higher education.
- Is returning following a 3 year break in studies.
- Is returning as a "second chance" student after a five year break in studies.
The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
Applicants who do not meet the criteria to be assessed as an independent student for grant purposes, or who cannot supply the necessary documentation to establish independent living for the required period, may still apply to SUSI to have their grant eligibility assessed as a dependent student. The relevant information, including details of parental income, would be required by SUSI to determine grant eligibility as a dependent student.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI and subsequently to the Student Grants Appeals Board within the statutory timeframes.
Further information regarding class of applicant (independent or dependent) and the types of documentation accepted as evidence of living independently from parents is available from SUSI’s website: susi.ie/eligibility/applicant-class/.
The scheme operates in the context of competing educational priorities and limited public funding. The aim of the scheme is to make a contribution to the cost of going to college. The existing rules reflect the fact that very significant numbers of third-level students move out of home to go to college and continue to be supported by their parents, where their parents have sufficient means, while in full-time education.
In line with the Programme for Government, a review of the Student Grant Scheme is currently underway and is due to report in Autumn 2021. A public consultation process closed in April with over 280 submissions received. The views of students were sought via an online survey process in May and over 9,000 survey responses were received. It is intended that the future direction of the SUSI scheme will be guided by the outcome of the Review.
423. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the details of the student support scheme for asylum seekers for the academic year 2021-2022 will be published. [36377/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the student support scheme for persons in the protection process or at the leave to remain (but not deportation order) stage is a scheme that provides supports to qualifying students which are similar to those available in the statutory based Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI.
The Student Support Scheme for Asylum Seekers is subject to an annual review at the end of each academic year. Following a review of the Student Support Scheme 2019 for Asylum Seekers, the decision was taken to continue the scheme for the 2020/21 academic year. A review of the Student Support Scheme 2020 is currently been undertaken and an announcement will be made in the coming weeks.
424. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding available for a masters student (details supplied) who is undertaking a 12 month course of study and whose SUSI grant only covers a nine month period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36383/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications.This service, which was set up at the behest of Oireachtas members, complements the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at oireachtas@susi.ie. Staff in SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.
I have been advised by my officials that the student outlined by the Deputy declared that he was completing year 1 of Masters Degree for the 2020/21 academic year. As per the Student Grant Scheme, maintenance grants are paid in 9 monthly instalments and the applicant has already received all 9 payments in relation to the 2020/21 academic year.
The student then submitted an application for the 2021/22 academic year stating he was now completing year 2 of a 2 year Level 9 course, however the student will not be in education for 2021/22 academic year. The student advised that he is attending atypical course and requested funding to August 2021. However, under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme the provision of grants to students in the 2021/22 academic year is defined for the academic year beginning on or after 1st September 2021. As the academic year for which the student is applying for grant funding began before this prescribed date he is not eligible for funding under the Student Grant Scheme.
425. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reskilling initiatives being considered in order to activate persons to transition from at-risk sectors and unemployment over to the highly successful biopharma, medtech, information and communications technology and foodtech sectors in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36426/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSome sectors, occupations and individuals have been impacted by the fallout of the covid pandemic to a greater degree than others. Among these are young people, part time workers, those in the hospitality sector, the lower skilled and those with lower educational attainment.
As the Deputy is aware, as part of the Government’s response to the labour market and skills effects of the pandemic, a range of measures were introduced as a response to upskilling and reskilling needs of individuals and businesses through the July Jobs Stimulus and Budget 2021. These measures are providing 35,000 education and training places to help those who were displaced by the effects of the pandemic. A further 15,000 places were announced as part of the skills package in Budget 2021. Combined these measures include places on the Skills to Complete initiative, additional places through Skillnet supported programmes, funding of the Apprenticeship Incentivisation scheme, the roll-out of retrofit training across the country, additional places through Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative, and the expansion of the range of short-duration, part-time and online upskilling and reskilling offerings available for recipients of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
Evidence and research on Ireland’s current and future skills needs and job opportunity indicators are monitored by the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit in SOLAS, on behalf of the National Skills Council, and are summarised annually in the National Skills Bulletin. We know that it is critical that people and businesses can avail of opportunities for developing skills in the way that suits them best, no matter who they are or what sector they are in, in order to overcome these impacts, and that we ensure that our growth as a society is sustainable and inclusive.
Significant work has been undertaken in terms of the potential skills impact of the pandemic across the country and has included a focus on occupations, regions and potential profiles of learners. Upskilling and reskilling opportunities are currently available across many sectors and, through national engagement, scope has been extended to consider the prioritisation of skills.
The Skills to Advance initiative, which enables targeted skills development for vulnerable employees, was developed in response to evolving skill needs and assists those facing changes in their work due to technology advances, changing work practices and market diversification. Opportunities offered through Skills to Advance incorporate digital, socio-emotional and technical skills development to enhance employee skills and support increased productivity in Irish SMEs.
A key feature of Skills to Advance is the identification of skills gaps and needs with employers to develop customised training solutions for their workforce. In addition, specific initiatives are being taken at sectoral and regional level to provide novel upskilling opportunities for those in areas of work at risk of displacement and to reskill people for emerging work opportunities.
There are currently a number of opportunities to develop transferable skillsets in a range of areas to include:
- Leadership and management which provides critical upskilling to support employees in a wide range of sectors.
- Developing Leaders for Hospitality and Tourism which provides upskilling opportunities for team leads and supervisors and a career path to upskill in the sector.
Areas currently being scoped out and developed also include:
- SME Digi-Skills Initiative to boost business performance in SMEs
- Green Skills initiative to provide cross sectoral upskilling opportunities in green skills.
- eCollege is the national further education and training online learning service. eCollege offers very flexible online learning and is ideal for those wishing to study at their own pace around their work and life commitments, and so is a valuable support to those looking to reskill or gain skills to support transition to other sectors. eCollege offers courses in office productivity, business, web and graphic design, computer programming, data science and IT professional subject areas.
In response to the impact of the pandemic on employment levels and the requirement to provide reskilling initiatives, my department has also engaged with Skillnet Ireland who have developed the Skills Connect scheme in partnership with industry. Through Skills Connect, Skillnet Ireland is achieving cross-sector employability by enabling jobseekers secure new employment opportunities in high-growth areas such as medtech manufacturing, cyber security, wind energy, software programming, digital marketing, customer service, and logistics/ warehousing. Skills Connect was introduced in July 2020 as a rapid and agile response to the emerging needs of businesses, regions and impacted workers.
426. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of work by his Department in providing research and analysis support to the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs in respect to the future needs of each of the highly successful biopharma, medtech, information and communications technology and foodtech manufacturing sectors in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36427/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Ireland’s National Skills Architecture, the EGFSN helps inform the work of the National Skills Council, which advises on the prioritisation of identified skills needs and the allocation of resources across the education and training system to address these needs.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and SOLAS, sit on the EGFSN, along with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and its relevant agencies, and representation from the business and trade union communities.
Over the past five years the EGFSN has undertaken a range of studies relevant to the biopharma, medtech, information and communications technology and foodtech manufacturing sectors in Ireland. These studies have been informed by comprehensive engagement and consultation across Ireland’s enterprise base, including with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and their client companies.
These studies have included 2016’s Future Skills Needs of the Biopharma Industry in Ireland; 2017’s Update on Future Skills Needs in the Food and Drink Sector, developed in support of the Foodwise 2025 strategy; and 2018’s Addressing the Skills Needs Arising from the Potential Trade Implications of Brexit, which examined the trade diversification and logistics related skills needs of a number of sectors, including Agri-Food and Health Lifesciences, in a hard Brexit scenario.
The EGFSN has also played a key role in the ICT Skills Action Plan process, since the inception of the Plans in 2012. Its latest High Level ICT Skills study, 2019’s Forecasting the Demand for High Level ICT Skills in Ireland, 2017-2022, was a key evidence based input into the development of Technology Skills 2022- Ireland’s Third ICT Skills Action Plan. The EGFSN has further supported the ICT skills agenda through its studies on design skills- 2017’s Winning by Design and 2020’s Together for Design.
More generally, 2020’s Leading the Way- Investing in Management Development for SME Productivity and Growth examined the area of management development, a key cross sectoral skill need. It has also examined the skills impacts of digitalisation across all sectors of the economy, in 2018’s Digital Transformation- Assessing the Impact of Digitalisation on Ireland’s Workforce.
As part of its 2021 work programme, the Group is also considering the skills required to deploy, manage and regulate artificial intelligence, with a view to realising the productivity, growth and innovation potential of AI, to ensure it is adopted in a trustworthy manner, and to allow its adoption by large and small firms. This study is scheduled to be published in Q4 2021.
427. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for the acceleration of the National Skills Strategy in Ireland in respect of the digital skills of the national workforce at entry, intermediary and advanced levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36429/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra428. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for the acceleration of the National Skills Strategy in Ireland in respect of digital skills for persons in general in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36430/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra429. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for the development of digital skills in the indigenous SME sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36431/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 427 to 429, inclusive, together.
Ireland's National Skills Strategy 2015 recognises that technology is one of the key drivers of change and improved digital skills will be vital for Ireland’s future, both in higher-end dedicated ICT jobs and, more widely, as a basic core competence.
While there is a focus on trying to future proof the labour market and be at the forefront of skills provision, it is also important that digital literacy is addressed as part of the wider agenda. Many adults do not have the right skills to succeed in the new, interconnected, digital world and are disengaged from learning. Basic digital skills are important across all sectors and will help mitigate against automation risks and provide a platform for workers to upskill.
Reflecting this and in line with the Programme for Government, I tasked SOLAS, with the development of a new 10 year strategy for adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy. I plan to bring this new Strategy to Government for approval shortly.
A range of programmes are provided within Education and Training Boards (ETBs) for individuals who wish to develop their digital literacy. Basic ICT tuition is integrated within adult literacy and numeracy provision. The majority of digital literacy provision is free of charge or is heavily subsidised.
The Skills to Compete initiative, which was developed in response to the urgent need for activation, upskilling and reskilling as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, offer courses built around three key priorities: delivering the essential skills required for modern workplaces; building strong digital skills; and developing the specific vocational skills to secure opportunities in growing sectors and occupations.
E College is a leading learning platform that delivers online training courses in business, project management, information technology, graphic design, web design, digital marketing, software development and basic computer literacy. These courses are all industry recognised programmes, accessed on a continuous intake basis, and enable flexible learning for unemployed learners, workers in sectors vulnerable to automation with skills levels below NFQ level 5, and those over 50 years of age. eCollege courses are temporarily being made available free of charge to all as an additional support to those impacted by Covid-19 containment measures.
In addition, there are currently 5 apprenticeships available in the ICT sector and a Software Solutions Architect apprenticeship which is expected to be offered at level 9 on the NFQ is in development. The apprenticeships currently available at level 6 are Network Engineer Associate, Software Developer Associate, Cybersecurity and Telecommunications and Data Network Engineering Technician and at level 8 there is CGI Technical Artist (Animation, Games, VFX).
Skillnet Ireland is supporting indigenous SMEs to enhance digital skills and is implementing several digital skills actions assigned to the agency in both the National Skills Strategy and Technology Skills 2022. Skillnet Ireland are prioritising programmes that address the digital skills gap in SMEs, that prepare SMEs for the digital transformation and that maximise the use of technology to improve both the productivity and innovation of SMEs. In 2020, 10,000 digital skills training places were provided by Skillnet Ireland that delivered a total of 150,000 training days. All programmes were funded on a cost sharing basis with employers.
To enhance the availability of advanced and high level ICT skills, Technology Skills 2022, seeks to deliver 47,000 IT Graduates by 2022 and sets out the priority actions which will be undertaken in the four-year period 2019-2022 to meet the demands for high-level ICT skillsets in the Irish economy. It sets out to provide appropriate education and training pathways for people to train, learn and upskill in a variety of high-level ICT skills which are sought after by a diverse range of industries to support and drive economic performance over the coming years.
Springboard+ 2021 was launched on 14th June 2021, providing 10,158 higher education places on 294 courses. As a result of multi-annual funding of graduate conversion courses, this leads to a combined total of 13,128 places in 399 courses available in the 2021/22 academic year under Springboard+ 2021 and HCI Pillar 1.
Courses available under Springboard+ 2021 include high level ICT, and courses in new and emerging technologies. 1,451 places are available on 36 courses in high level ICT skills.
The majority of courses approved under Springboard+ 2021 and HCI Pillar 1 will start in 2021 and in early 2022. Full details on Springboard+ and HCI courses, the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on the website: www.springboardcourses.ie.
430. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a person (details supplied) will be approved for SUSI support to undertake a course. [36433/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principal support provided by the Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the terms of the 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 the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
Students attending approved undergraduate courses in the EU can apply for a maintenance grant provided they meet the terms and conditions of the Student Grant Scheme. In general, an approved undergraduate course in this context is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in another EU Member State. The Student Grant Scheme does not extend to post graduates outside the State other than for exceptional provision in respect of postgraduate courses in Northern Ireland.
The student referred to by the Deputy will be undertaking a postgraduate course outside of the state.
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.
431. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has consulted with the Minister for Health following the recent NPHET recommendations; the preparations that are underway within his Department to address any potential impact that an increase in the Delta variant will have in further and higher educational settings; the measures that are now being considered to ensure the public health response to Covid-19 is robust in these settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36459/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra432. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has engaged with further and higher education institutions further to the recent NPHET recommendations to discuss preparations for addressing any potential impact that an increase in the Delta variant will have on these settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36460/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 431 and 432 together.
The Government has committed to a significant increase in onsite attendance in the tertiary education sector in the next academic year.
Following consultation with sectoral stakeholders and on following Government approval, I published A Safe Return: Plan for a safe return to on-site Further and Higher Education and Research in 2021/22. The Safe Return Plan can be accessed here.
The Plan reflects the essential nature of higher and further education and training, and research activities, and in that context, provides for comprehensive on-site activity for the next academic year, with almost full scale on-site activities.
Under the Plan, larger scale lectures will take place on-site if the public health situation continues to improve as expected but some moderation in numbers may still be required.
Contingency planning, based on a more restrictive public health environment, is also being prepared by the sector. Even in a more restrictive public health environment, it is envisaged that there would still be significant on-site activities. At a very minimum, workshops, tutorials, classroom based activities and smaller lectures will be allowed and libraries, research facilities and labs will be opened.
The safety measures which will be in place such as social distancing, face masks, ventilation will be in accordance with prevailing public health advice taking into account the essential nature of further and higher education and research. Institutions and providers will continue to put in place plans to ensure that the overall number of people on campus at a given time continues to be moderated.
The Plan will operate along with and be supported by:
- The COVID-19 Adaptation Framework
- Practical Guidance for Further and Higher Education, (to be updated in line with prevailing public health advice).
- Sectoral guidance (to be updated in line with prevailing public health advice): FET Implementation Guidelines
- Implementation Guidelines for Public Health Measures in Higher Education Institutions
- Sectoral Pact as outlined in Section 5 of the plan
- Work Safely Protocol published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- The Government Plan - COVID – 19 Resilience and Recovery: The Path Ahead
The Safe Return Plan also includes a Pact of actions and commitments which my Department, its agencies, stakeholders, institutions and providers have agreed to in order to support ongoing efforts in relation to the pandemic and to ensure that planning is well-grounded in safe and sustainable practices. These actions and commitments, which will be completed in time for autumn 2021, are grouped under the following headings:
- Careful and safe opening up on-site
- Ongoing managing and monitoring of on-site activities with continued compliance by all within an expanded Discretionary Framework for the sector.
- Promoting public health
- Dealing with outbreaks
- A new vigilance scheme
- Regular and transparent communications
- Specific actions and commitments for key areas: research; on-site accommodation; and international learners
While the vaccination rollout plan continues to accelerate with the announcement that the 18-34 year old cohort may begin registration for vaccination from Monday 5th July, however, the challenges associated with the unpredictability of the virus remain particularly in light of the emergence of the Delta variant of the virus. Nevertheless, the sector is committed to maximising onsite provision for students and learners for September 2021 and on that basis and in line with the Safe Return Plan, institutions and providers are currently progressing their own detailed planning and work for a comprehensive return to on-site activity, while recognising that there can be no certainty in relation to the future trajectory of the disease and contingency plans will continue to be necessary.
My Department has undertaken to provide Government in mid-July with an update of the progress in relation to sectoral planning arising from the Plan and the expected level of on-site activity in further and higher education and research in the Autumn, including an update on planning with regard to large scale lectures. This will ensure that there is ongoing support for planning in this sector and that planning proceeds in a manner that is aligned to prevailing public health advice.
Following the update to Cabinet in July and in anticipation, at that point, of revised public health guidelines being available, it is envisaged that institutions and providers will be in a position to communicate their plans for a return to on-site activity to students, learners and staff.
The partnership and collaboration demonstrated by all stakeholders, institutions and educational providers, their staff and representative bodies, students and learners has been instrumental in developing the plan for the safe return to onsite provision of higher and further education. The continuation and intensification of this approach will be central to its successful implementation.
433. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice the status of Ireland's implementation of EU anti-money laundering rules; if the State is subject to any ongoing legal actions by the EU Commission regarding delays in implementation; the fines paid to date by Ireland in the past five years due to a failure to implement or delay in implementation of EU anti-money laundering legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36515/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Act 2021 transposes the criminal justice elements and several non-criminal justice elements of the Fifth EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive. This Act was signed by the President on 18 March 2021 and came into effect on 23-24 April 2021.
This Directive builds upon the Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive to better equip the Union to prevent the financial system from being used for money laundering and terrorist financing.
As the Deputy may be aware, this Act ensures that our regulatory framework keeps pace with the increasing integration of financial flows in the internal market, the evolving trends, technological developments and the prevention of organised crime. It enhances the range of measures countering money laundering by reflecting modern developments. It will also help to bring us in line with our EU obligations.
While the Act transposes many of the elements of the Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive, the Department of Finance is also engaged in giving effect to other provisions of the Directive. The Department of Finance is currently progressing elements of the transposition including with respect to the centralised bank account registry. I am advised that a central register of trusts, required under Article 31 of the Directive was established in April 2021. This register is operated by the Revenue Commissioners and will begin to accept filings in the coming months. A central register of bank and payment accounts and safe-deposit boxes under Article 32a, which will be operated by the Central Bank of Ireland, is currently being progressed.
The EU Commission issued a Letter of Formal Notice on 14 May 2020, which is the first stage of infringement proceedings. Ireland had four months to reply, which it did in September 2020. The second stage would be the issue of a Reasoned Opinion, and only at the third stage (a reference to the Court of Justice) would possible financial penalties be applicable.
Ireland has informed the Commission of the significant progress made in transposing this instrument into Irish law. The Commission received comprehensive detail regarding the various national provisions which transpose or will transpose each of the provisions of the Directive including the text of the Act.
Ireland will continue to engage with the Commission and keep the Commission informed of our progress in transposing the Fifth Directive.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2020, Ireland was ordered by the Court of Justice of the European Union to pay a fine of €2m in respect of its failure to fully transpose the previous Directive (the Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive) on time. The Court’s decision related to a period between July 2017 and the enactment of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Act in November 2018.
434. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice if communities (details supplied) can be considered for the new project aimed to promote pro-social use of vehicles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35793/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to tackling the issue of misuse of scramblers and similar vehicles.
As the Deputy may be aware, Minister Ryan, who has responsibility for road traffic legislation, is bringing forward legislative proposals to increase Garda powers in this area, including in relation to the seizure of vehicles.
In parallel with this work, I secured Cabinet approval in April for a community based approach to diversion from anti-social misuse of scramblers. This followed on from the work of a sub-group of the Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour, which I chair, to consider community-based approaches to address the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes as part of the overall package of Government measures to tackle the issue.
This initiative is centred around Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) who are being invited to lead on the development of proposals for community-based interventions to work with young people involved in anti-social use of these vehicles and related crime and anti-social behaviour. GYDPs will be required to consult with other local interests, including An Garda Síochána, and to create a local consortium which will include the local authority. It is envisaged that the local authority partner will in general be responsible for provision of tracks and related facilities.
In May, my Department invited the GYDPs to present proposals for the scheme to offer positive alternatives to young people engaged in anti-social use of scramblers, including specific contact with GYDPs in areas that are most affected by this issue.
The community-based initiative is open to receive proposals from local areas, coordinated through GYDPs, and it is open to any GYDP to submit a proposal. The intention is that proposals submitted before the end of July may be eligible for support in the current year, subject to assessment of the details of the proposal. I can assure the Deputy that I will keep the operation of the scheme under review, with a view to providing appropriate support for local areas where there are significant problems with the misuse of scramblers, quad bikes and similar vehicles.
I should stress that this initiative is focussed on young people at risk of crime and anti-social behaviour and specifically anti-social use of these vehicles. It is not intended to duplicate the responsibilities of mainstream youth services or to fund motocross or similar sports as such.
It is hoped that this combined approach of increased Garda powers to tackle the misuse of scramblers, while at the same time creating alternative options for those who wish to use such vehicles safely and legally, will have a significant impact in tackling the problem.
In the meantime, members of the public who are concerned about any individual misuse of scramblers should contact An Garda Síochána.
435. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the steps now being taken to progress the application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35841/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 15 February 2021.
This application for naturalisation continues to be processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision in due course.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
436. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice her plans to amend the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 to provide local authorities with the option of making bye-laws that would allow responsible consumption of alcohol in public places, for example, parks, beaches, licensed parklets and outdoor seating in public areas while at the same time allow for the retention of a ban on drunkenness and drunk and disorderly behaviour in all public places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35904/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Friday last, I was pleased to announce the enactment of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021. Notwithstanding local authorities powers’ to make bye-laws, this important piece of legislation introduces changes in the law to allow for the sale and consumption of alcohol in relevant outdoor seating areas, where those outdoor seating areas have been permitted by the relevant local authority on public land, or where they are on private land abutting the licensed premises, as provided for in the Act.
These relevant outdoor seating areas are deemed to be part of the licensed premises while this legislation remains in force. As the Deputy will be aware, the Act has been introduced in response to the unique circumstances of the pandemic and therefore is time-bound. The provisions of the Act will remain in place until 30 November 2021, but can be extended for up to 6 months at a time, if a resolution is passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Importantly, this legislation provides the clarity that has been sought and ensures that we can deliver on the Government’s commitments for an outdoor summer and to give certainty to thousands of businesses and their staff that they can remain open and continue to serve their customers in a safe and compliant way.
The Act preserves the existing obligations on licence holders, including to maintain good order on their licensed premises. Failure to do so will be grounds for objection to the renewal of the licence, even if, at the time of renewal, the licensee has ceased to operate the outdoor seating area.
The Act also makes it an offence not to comply with a direction by a member of An Garda Síochána to take any steps necessary to ensure compliance with the licensing legislation. This is liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to €2,500 and/or a term of imprisonment of up to 6 months. Compliance with the relevant COVID-19 health regulations will also apply to outdoor seating areas.
The Justice Plan 2021, published on 22 February, commits to reviewing and modernising alcohol licensing.
My Department is actively engaged with the Night-Time Economy Taskforce looking at innovative approaches to support and develop a vibrant, diverse night-time culture and economy in Ireland. The work of the Taskforce is ongoing and has included wide stakeholder engagement. A key challenge identified by stakeholders is the outdated alcohol licensing legislation and this will be reflected in the report of the Taskforce. I am working with my colleague Minister Catherine Martin and the Taskforce to support the work of the Taskforce and implement its recommendations without delay. It is my firm intention that this reform will be developed with a supportive approach to businesses and the interests of public health, consumers and communities will be central to implementation.
It is my intention to bring forward legislation that will contain proposals to update the law relating to the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in licensed premises and registered clubs, by replacing both the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2018 and the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008 with streamlined provisions more suited to modern conditions.
While trading hours for licenses premises will be part of that legislative review, in the context of the current curtailment of the opening hours of licensed premises this is a matter that the Department of Health monitors as part of the Covid regulations. It should be borne in mind that, in the context of supporting business to operate in outdoor seating areas, extended hours are not suitable for many licensed premises operating in these outdoor areas in light of community and neighbourhood concerns. There is a balance of considerations in all such decisions.
437. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice her plans to extend the age limit to join An Garda Síochána past the current age limit of 35 years. [35916/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by legislation, in particular the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. These regulations provide that the maximum age at which a person may apply to join an Garda Síochána as a full time member is not more than 35 years.
I can inform the Deputy that an expert review group has been established to examine the issue of Garda recruitment, entry pathways and recruit education. This review forms part of A Policing Service for our Future, the Government’s implementation plan for the recommendations of the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. The group is examining a variety of matters including the age of recruitment to An Garda Síochána.
The group, which operates in an advisory capacity, commenced work in late 2020 and will submit a report to the Garda Commissioner within 12 months of establishment. I expect that the Commissioner will engage further with my Department at that point on foot of the group's advice and analysis.
438. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the amount of interest her Department has been charged for savings or other funds on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced by year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35937/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the amount of negative interest which has arisen in respect of the operational bank accounts managed by the Department's Financial Shared Services centre (FSS) and the Immigration Service Delivery areas is set out below. It should be noted that the FSS provides financial services to a number of Government Departments and offices.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2017 |
€15,847 |
|
2018 |
€36,155 |
|
2019 |
€10,825 |
|
2020 |
€26,444 |
|
2021 (Provisional year to date) |
€10,815 |
439. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of serious or fatal road traffic collisions that gardaí attended on the N4 in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [35970/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, but I have not received this information in time. I will write to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.
440. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who successfully completed protester removal courses in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [35971/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána. Unfortunately, this information was not readily available and I will write to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.
441. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice her plans to implement a scheme such that lay litigants involved in court cases may recover their costs in circumstances in which their cases are successful, as is possible in the United Kingdom in view of the increasing prevalence of lay litigation in Irish courts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36039/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFacilitating greater access to justice is one of the key objectives of my Department’s Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 and the Justice Plan 2021.
To achieve this, we must streamline both the civil and family justice system; ensure that cases can be managed to give the parties more certainty about the progress and likely costs of their cases; ensure that more disputes are resolved earlier without resorting to court-based litigation; that legal costs to take actions are reduced; and we must ensure that people of modest means can access civil legal aid when needed. As the Deputy will appreciate, this will involve a range of measures and initiatives to improve how our courts, and the sector that supports it, operate.
Regarding costs, the general rule, now provided for in statute in the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, is that costs, as defined in that Act, are awarded to a successful litigant unless the court directs otherwise for reasons specified in that legislation.
Last year, Minister McEntee published the Report of the Review Group set up to review and make recommendations to reform the administration of civil justice. The Review Group, chaired by Mr. Justice Peter Kelly, made 95 specific recommendations to make the civil justice system more efficient and easier for people to access.
Regarding lay litigants, the Review Group recommended that the practice direction regarding lay litigants be implemented by the High Court Central Office. A practice direction was introduced in the High Court in July 2010 governing proceedings in which one or more of the parties does not have professional legal representation requiring that the litigant in person and the other party complete, file and (where applicable) serve a form in advance of (a) making a pre-trial application and (b) the trial of the proceedings, to assist in identifying the factual and legal issues requiring to be addressed at the hearing.
My Department is in the final stages of developing a multi-year implementation plan which will set out changes to be made in all areas of civil justice, including litigation costs, case delays, and access to services and legal aid. Once completed, the implementation plan will be brought to Government and published. The extensive reforms proposed by the Review Group will transform the experience of those seeking to access civil justice in Ireland.
442. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice when she requested updates from the Policing Authority in relation to the cancelled 999 calls issues; the updates she has received; the dates they were received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36043/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra443. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the communications she has received from the Garda Commissioner in relation to the cancelled 999 calls issues; the updates she has received from the Commissioner; the dates they were received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36044/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra444. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the specific technical issues that were described to her and her officials by the Garda Commissioner on or about December 2020 with respect to computer aided dispatch system. [36051/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra445. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide the documentation or details of the explanation provided by the Garda Commissioner and his colleagues to her and her officials with respect to the technical issues relating to the Garda computer aided dispatch system in 2020 and which was also referred to at the public meeting of the Policing Authority in or around December 2020. [36052/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra446. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she made any indirect and or direct contact with the Garda Commissioner in order to ensure any reference to the service failures and cancellation of category 1 999 emergency calls from the attention of the Policing Authority until the late Spring of 2021 (details supplied). [36053/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 442 to 446, inclusive, together.
Any inappropriate cancellation of 999 calls is a very serious issue. This falls significantly below the high standards that the public expect from the Gardaí and the high standards that An Garda Síochána set for themselves. I am particularly concerned that anyone experiencing domestic abuse, and indeed anyone in a vulnerable position, who summoned the courage to seek assistance may not have received it.
I welcome the apology that has been made by the Garda Commissioner and the Commissioner has assured me that when someone calls 999 now, they can expect and trust that An Garda Síochána will help. That should of course always be the case.
As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána wrote to the Secretary General of my Department on 4 December 2020 to inform the Department that a number of 999 calls had been cancelled on the AGS Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and that An Garda Síochána was carrying out a review of the reasons behind this. An Garda Síochána also brought the issue to the attention of the Policing Authority the same month. Minister McEntee wrote to the Policing Authority on 5 February 2021 to request that the Authority oversee the review being carried out by An Garda Síochána in this regard.
Following Minister McEntee's request, the Policing Authority wrote to Minister McEntee with updates on 17 February 2021 and 27 April 2021 and to myself with an update on 7 June 2021. The Garda Commissioner wrote to me with an update on 16 June. I have also been briefed by both the Commissioner and the Chair of the Authority.
Once the Authority has completed its work, I will examine its conclusions and take any action that needs to be taken on foot of its report.
