Written Answers Nos. 278-297
278. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of staff by location and function in each office of his Department nationally by location; if the property is State owned or leased; and the detail of these leases in the case of those properties on a lease in terms of cost, term and next break date. [38858/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth's offices are located as follows:
- 2nd and 3rd floors, Block 1, Miesian Plaza, 50 - 58 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2; and
- 2nd and 3rd floors, Montague Court, 7 - 11 Montague Street, Dublin 2.
The number of staff by location and function in each office of my Department is set our below.
Note that the staffing numbers provided refer solely to direct employees (headcount) of the Department as of 30 June 2021.
|
Function |
Location |
Number of staff |
|
Minister's Office, Management Board, Project Management Office, Internal Audit |
2nd and 3rd floors, Block 1, Miesian Plaza 50 - 58 Baggot Street Lower Dublin 2 |
28 |
|
Child Policy & Tusla Governance Division |
As above |
41 |
|
Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Division |
As above |
80 |
|
Adoption and Mother and Baby Homes Division |
As above |
26 |
|
Corporate and Business Support Division |
As above |
81 |
|
Youth, Governance, Communications and Research Division |
As above |
109 |
|
International Protection, Integration and Equality |
2nd and 3rd floors, Montague Court 7 - 11 Montague Street Dublin 2 |
99 |
|
Total Departmental Staff |
464 |
The leasing arrangements in place for the Departmental buildings are as follows:
Block 1, Miesian Plaza, 50 - 58 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2: The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) occupy the second and third floors at this leased property. The leaseholder is the Office of Public Works. DCEDIY does not pay rent on this property and does not have the current information on the lease in terms of cost, term and next break date.
Montague Court, 7 - 11 Montague Street, Dublin 2: DCEDIY currently holds the leases on the second and third floors at this property. These leases transferred to my Ministerial role from the Minister for Justice under a transfer of functions in October 2020. The current rent on these leases is €795,655 net per annum, excluding service charges and other costs. The rent has been agreed for the remainder of the terms of these leases, which expire on 31 May, 2025.
281. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the actions the State is taking to achieve its obligations under the Istanbul Convention to provide one space per 10,000 women in domestic violence refuges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38905/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Separately, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has responsibility in terms of capital provision for the development of new refuges.
The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) sets out signatory obligations but does not set out a standard or recommended number of refuges. With regard to the provision of shelter for victims, a policy document "Combating Violence Against Women: Minimum Standards for Support Services", published by the Council, references two possible standards depending on the types of service provision in place. Tusla has applied the standard of one shelter space per 10,000 head of female population, with specific mechanisms for measuring population and calculation of shelter spaces. This standard applied by Tusla, reflects the community-focused integrated response for victims, where community-based organisations and outreach supports are in place alongside refuges.
Tusla is finalising its Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence. The Review has examined the current level of refuge provision, evidence of demand for services and unmet need, and analysis of proximity to refuge by local communities. It will recommend a future course of actions for Government with regard to current and future accommodation requirements for victims of domestic violence.
These recommendations will be considered in conjunction with an audit of the responsibility for DSGBV across Government that was published by Minister O'Gorman and Minister Naughton on the 14th July. Actions on future investment in refuge provision will be included in the Third National Strategy for DSGBV, to be published at the end of 2021.
282. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of staff who process requests in the Adoption Authority of Ireland; and if the service is operating at full capacity following pandemic related restrictions. [38910/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for the Adoption Authority of Ireland, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply.
283. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the outcomes of each of the 52 actions outlined in the Further Education and Training Strategy 2014-2019; the actions which have been successfully completed ongoing and yet to be initiated, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39025/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information that has been requested by the Deputy is being compiled. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
284. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the apprenticeship incentivisation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38730/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme comprises a €2,000 payment when employers register a new apprentice, followed by an additional €1,000 payment one year later where that apprentice is retained. The intention of the scheme is to ensure that apprenticeship will play a key part in supporting economic recovery following COVID-19.
The Scheme was initially approved under the July Jobs Stimulus for employers registering apprentices after the 1st March 2020. It had been anticipated that the initial duration and subsequent expansion of the Scheme to mid-2021 would cover the re-opening period. However this has not transpired meaning that employers have not had the opportunity to avail of the benefits of the Scheme to the extent envisaged during the re-opening phase.
The scheme has been extended on two occasions and will now include all apprentices registered to the end of this year. Employers are sent an electronic application form once they have registered an apprentice. As of 1st July employers will be requested to confirm that they have advertised the apprentice role on www.apprenticeshipjobs.ie or else provide a rationale why they have not advertised the post.
The scheme has supported a significant recovery of apprentice registrations in 2020 and into 2021 and has enabled apprentice registrations to remain on a par with registrations for 2019. By end May 2021 there were 2,296 new registrations compared to 1,493 at end May 2020 and 2,329 by end May 2019.
Since the launch of the Scheme, payments in respect of 4,307 apprentice registrations have been made to date with a current spend of €8.614m.
The establishment, funding and success of the scheme is a strong demonstration of the Government's commitment to the development and growth of apprenticeship in Ireland, which will be sustained and intensified through the implementation of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship.
285. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports planned to integrate students back on campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38731/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has committed to planning for a significant increase in on-site attendance in the tertiary education sector in the next academic year.
Following intensive consultation with sectoral stakeholders and 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 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. Institutions and providers in the sector have committed to ensuring that all learners across all areas have significant scheduled on-site learning in the forthcoming year.
The protection of and support for students and learners is one of the central tenets of the Plan whose purpose, among others, is to enable maximum provision of on-site activities, support the ongoing public health requirements, and support the ongoing needs of students and learners
Institutions and providers are currently progressing with their own detailed planning and work for a comprehensive return to on-site activity. This will include planning for orientation, re-orientation and transitions programmes to assist students in familiarising or re-familiarising themselves with the on-site environment and learning resources. Issues around supports for students returning to campus, and the need for resources to support these students, have been discussed by the Student and Learning Wellbeing and Engagement Working Group.
In the Plan, my Department commits to developing a funding proposal for agreement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to support the sector in responding to specific costs and particular issues arising from the impact of the pandemic on for the tertiary sector and students. The proposal, building on the funding provided in 2020 under the Covid support package is intended to help enable the return to substantial on-site activity under this Plan.
286. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when English languages schools are permitted to reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38824/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery: The Path Ahead and in keeping with the Government’s objective of moving to a return to safe onsite provision in higher and further education, extensive planning has been undertaken by the sectoral stakeholders of the Covid-19 Working Group for the English language education (ELE) sector to prepare for the safe resumption of limited, small group, in-person provision to cater for the needs of this sector’s existing cohort of students currently in the State. This Working Group is comprised of the sectoral representatives of students, staff and providers alongside representatives of relevant Government Departments such as the Department of Justice, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Social Protection.
On the basis of these plans and subject to relevant conditions, limited in-person activity may begin to resume for the current cohort of students from 19th July 2021 where it is safe to do so.
In preparing to undertake the resumption of in-person activity, ELE providers should particularly be aware of and take account of the following key factors:
- There is no deterioration in the public health situation nor changes to public health advice/measures that would impact on this activity.
- The resumption of this activity is exclusively to cater for the needs of the existing cohort of ELE students currently in the State.
- This step should be taken in consultation with each provider’s staff and students.
- Subject to relevant conditions, providers may opt to remain closed, to provide blended learning or to continue operating wholly online.
- There continues to be no basis for the recruitment of new international students that may seek to travel to the State at this time.
All existing restrictions and public health guidance with appropriate protective measures and limited congregation will need to be followed, supported by the sectoral reopening protocols and adaptation framework, to facilitate and ensure the safe return to some classroom-based activity for this cohort of students.
The resumption of in-person activity is a key stepping stone on the pathway to recovery for the ELE sector in Ireland. My Department looks forward to continued productive engagement with stakeholders to support the development of further plans which will enable the return of international student recruitment and the full re-opening of the sector in due course, aligned with public health guidelines.
287. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of staff by location and function in each office of his Department nationally by location; if the property is State owned or leased; and the detail of these leases in the case of those properties on a lease in terms of cost, term and next break date. [38853/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of staff in my Department by location and function is set out below. All the offices that my Department occupies are managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) who has responsibility for renting / leasing of offices and acts as an agent in this regard for Government Departments. As such, the terms, costs and duration of these leases is a matter for the OPW.
|
Location |
Number of Staff (*FTE) |
Function |
|
Shared with the Department of Education in Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath |
4 (3.5) |
Further Education & Training |
|
Shared with the Department of Education in Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 |
111 (106.23) |
Central Policy, Communications, European Social Fund (ESF)/European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) Policy & Operations, Finance, Further Education & Training, Higher Education - Governance, Higher Education - Policy and Reform, Innovation, Research and Development, International Section, Minister of State's Office, Organisational Design and Development, Secretary General's Office, Skills, Planning and Enterprise |
|
Shared with a number of Government departments/offices in Leeson Lane, Dublin 2 |
12 (12) |
Ministerial Office and support staff |
|
Shared with the Department of Education in Portlaoise Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly |
40 (36.43) |
Capital Investment, Higher Education - Equity of Access, Higher Education - Funding and Governance |
* Fulltime equivalent
288. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices employed by each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39012/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra289. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices employed by each State and semi-State body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39013/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra290. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices employed in each university, technological university and institute of technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39014/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra293. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of registered employers in the apprenticeship programme; the number of active employers in the programme; the number of apprenticeship participants by type and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39018/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra296. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeships that have been furloughed; the number that have been made redundant as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39026/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 288 to 290, inclusive, 293 and 296 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
291. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices waiting to access off-the-job training on a county basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39015/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra295. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the apprenticeship training available by apprenticeship type in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39021/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of apprentices waiting to access off-the-job training at the end of June 2021 broken down on a county basis is set out in Table 1. Over 800 apprentices are scheduled to commence Phase 2 off the job training over the coming weeks.
The details provided in the attached Table 2 is for the 25 craft apprenticeships where training is currently provided. This has been presented by location and programme provision. Details attached give an overview of the Education and Training Board for Phase 2 and Institute of Technology / Technical Universities for Phases 4 and 6 craft apprenticeship programmes.
Additional information in relation to post 2016 apprenticeships is being compiled, and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
292. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of full-time further education students by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39017/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBelow is the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of full-time students who have taken up Further Education and Training (FET) courses in each county. The information supplied refers to the 2020 calendar year and the county in which the course is delivered.
294. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of green certificate places that will be provided by Westport FET in September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39019/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ‘Green Cert’ is a course that meets the requirement to be a trained farmer as outlined in Section 81AA of the Stamp Duty Consolidation Act 1999 as updated by Revenue eBrief No. 090/19 on 02 May 2019.
Green certificate courses are offered throughout the country by An Teagasc who are the main provider of agriculture courses throughout the country. A provision is also offered by Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education Training Board (MSLETB) in Westport College of Further Education. MSLETB has confirmed to my office that in September 2021 they will have 240 places for students in the part-time Special Purpose Award programme and a total of 60 places available in the two full time provisions in Agriculture and Horticulture.
MSLETB/Westport College of Further Education have committed to offer potential students further advice and guidance on training options available in MSLETB and via other providers e.g. Teagasc and other ETBs.
297. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a university (details supplied) is requesting over €3,000 in up-front payments for on campus accommodation for the coming academic year despite the Government currently enacting legislation to prohibit same; and if he plans to intervene. [39033/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, legislation has passed the Oireachtas which restricts the up-front payments required to secure accommodation, including student accommodation, to no more than the equivalent of two months’ rent, and limit payments thereafter to on month’s rent at a time. This Bill was signed into law on the 9th July.
My officials met with representatives from the university sector in relation to the this bill on a number of occasions, and the universities are aware of the restrictions on up-front payments and the requirement to allow monthly payments. According to the information available to me, the University of Limerick has made the necessary adjustments and this has been reflected on their website which states that the payment due on 31st July is the first months rent and a €500 deposit.
Further information on this should be sought from the universities themselves as accommodation payments as a matter for them in line with their institutional autonomy, and I have no direct role in this matter.
