Written Answers Nos. 831-850
831. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41883/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery: The Path Ahead last June and in keeping with the Government’s objective of moving to a return to safe onsite provision in higher and further education over this period, extensive planning was 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.
On the basis of those plans and subject to the conditions of the notice published by my Department (www.gov.ie/en/publication/3b8e5-notice-resumption-of-in-person-provision-for-the-english-language-education-sector/), in-person activity could begin to resume from 19th July 2021 where it is safe to do so.
When resuming in-person activity, ELE providers are advised to be 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 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.
In undertaking this limited resumption of activity, all existing restrictions and public health guidance with appropriate protective measures and limited congregation needs 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. Where there are concerns in relation to compliance with the requirements of the Government’s 'Work Safely' protocol that cannot be resolved through the processes set out in the sectoral protocols, they may be brought to the attention of the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) utilising its complaints procedures - www.hsa.ie/eng/customer_service/make_a_complaint/.
This initial resumption of in-person activity is a key stepping stone on the pathway to recovery for the ELE sector in Ireland. With the recent publication of COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting, which sets out Ireland’s plan for the next and final phase of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and which will see the broader reopening of Irish society, my Department will have further engagements with the ELE sector as it develops plans for its own wider reopening, including for the resumption of the recruitment of new international students in line with public health guidelines, relevant travel restrictions and advices, and in accordance with the Government’s published roadmap.
832. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures he is taking to promote or facilitate remote working for staff in his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department; the costs this has generated in terms of the provision of laptops, desktop computers or contributions to Wi-Fi costs or phone-related expenses; the number of staff who have applied for permission to work from home on a permanent or hybrid-model basis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41954/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraStaff of my department have been working in line with Government COVID-19 guidance, which had provided for home working to continue where possible. Following the Taoiseach's announcement on the 1st of September, my department is now in the process of planning for a phased return to the workplace
A central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives over the coming months. This framework will inform the development of organisation level blended working policies tailored to the specific requirements of each Department/Office, whilst ensuring a consistency of approach across key policy areas.
Information relating to remote working arrangements for the aegis bodies of my department and associated costs, along with costs generated within my department for the provision of laptops, mobile phones and data costs are set out in the links provided.
833. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of SUSI grant recipients including a parent in receipt of a widows or widowers pension. [42038/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support to students attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Student Grant Scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding, provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution and meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those which relate to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment (progression) and means.
The number of SUSI grant recipients whereby the applicant (or a party to the applicant) was in receipt of a widows or widowers pension is as follows for the 2020/21 academic year.
|
2020/21 |
Dependent Applicants including a parent in receipt of widow/widower’s pension |
2340 |
|
2020/21 |
Independent applicants where applicant declared widow or widower’s pension |
41 |
834. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration will be given to omitting income from widow and widowers pensions from the reckonable income for SUSI grants. [42040/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI, provides grant assistance to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
Widows’/Widower’s pension is included as reckonable income for the purposes of the student grant means test. Widow's/Widower's pension is also a qualifying payment for the special rate of grant where the reckonable income is less than €24,500. Where the pension includes a CDA (child dependent allowance) the CDA element may be deducted from the payment for the purposes of qualifying for the special rate of grant and determining total reckonable income.
As the Deputy is aware, the scheme is under review and all proposals made in relation to education expenditure, including student grants for the 2022/23 academic year, will be considered in the context of Budget 2022.
837. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in relation to the long-awaited reopening of third-level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42242/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra846. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of third-level institutions that will be resuming classes this term with the majority of their students still learning remotely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42676/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra848. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if it will be made clear to students the way the return to third-level education will be undertaken under the current restrictions; if clarity will be given to students on whether they will return to campus or will continue to conduct their education primarily online in view of the fact students are becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of clear communication from third- level institutions and from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42678/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 837, 846 and 848 together.
The Safe Return Plan for further and higher education, which was agreed following extensive discussions between sectoral representatives, institutions, public health, students, staff and other stakeholders was published on the 15th June.
The Plan provided a comprehensive framework for institutions to proceed with planning to safely return to significant on-campus learning, teaching, research and a broader student experience fully supported by public health authorities through the implementation of a comprehensive and extensive suite of precautionary measures.
The Plan fully recognises the autonomy and diversity of the higher and further education sector, and recognises that institutions will develop and implement their own plans for returning on-site, in line with their local context and physical infrastructure. Local engagement with staff and student representatives is central on these plans and clear and consistent communication to learners and staff is a fundamental principle underlying the sectoral approach.
All higher education institutions have confirmed the return to on-site small group learning for 2021. The majority of institutions have made plans for large-scale on site learning in 2021. Large lecture theatres, in particular, will be actively managed, either through applying percentage occupancy limits, setting a maximum class size, an upper limit on lecture length/ period of continuous occupancy or otherwise, depending on local context and risk assessment. These variations are in line with the autonomy given to the HEIs in the Plan to make decisions on the return to campus in line with their own infrastructure and institutional contexts.
The sector has now commenced to move from planning into the implementation phase with the realisation on the 6th September, of the commencement of the return of this sector to significant on-site teaching, learning and research in a number of centres including 6 higher education campuses.
838. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will make formal enquiries to Solas regarding the delay in making the education and training fund agreed available to workers (details supplied); and the way they can accelerate the progress given the drawn out struggle which has resulted in these workers not receiving same after years of dutiful employment. [42293/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recognition of the exceptional circumstances of this case, as reflected in Kevin Foley’s report, the Government was willing to allocate a fund of €3 million, to be administered by SOLAS, to support career guidance, training, education, and pre-retirement planning etc. for the former Debenhams workers. The €3m fund was put to the former Debenhams members for ballot, which was passed on 20th May 2021.
My officials, and SOLAS, are aware of the necessity to finalise the arrangements as quickly as possible.
The current position is that SOLAS are engaging with the liquidators on the identification of the former Debenhams workers who will be invited to apply for support from the Fund. SOLAS has also finalised a paper on the activities proposed for support from the Fund, and the levels of such support. SOLAS is engaging continuously with former Debenhams workers and their representatives regarding arrangements.
In addition to this, my Department is engaging with officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the financing of the Fund, and the associated staffing requirements. Arrangements are also being made to establish the advisory committee as referenced in Report of the Chairman of the Labour Court.
There are so many upskilling and reskilling opportunities within further education and training (FET) and beyond, and SOLAS will work with the former workers individually to find the right option, and right support, which will meet their needs.
839. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when English language schools will be permitted to enrol international students; the reason English language schools are being treated differently to university English language programmes in respect of international enrolment and student visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42353/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 29 April 2021, the Government made a commitment to a significant increase in on-site further education and training, higher education and research from the beginning of this academic year. Higher and further education and training, and research are considered to be essential activities and extensive planning has been undertaken to enable the academic term 2021/22 to take place mainly on-site for all students, learners, and staff.
As part of this planning, the Department has worked closely with the higher education sector and student representative bodies to develop a protocol with key principles of assurance to ensure that the arrival of international higher education students for the coming academic year is managed safely and in line with public health requirements. This protocol includes all up-to-date public health measures and, in addition, details other arrangements such as familiarisation training for all these students in advance of their arrival. The protocol includes assurances from the Higher Education sector that students who arrive will be transported from the airport directly to suitable accommodation to allow them to adhere to the prevailing public health requirements regarding self-quarantine.
My Department has also been working closely with English language education (ELE) stakeholders over the course of the pandemic to date via the Covid-19 Working Group established for this sector. Following the publication of COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery: The Path Ahead last June, extensive planning was undertaken by sectoral stakeholders within this Working Group to enable the safe resumption of limited, small group, in-person provision to cater for the needs of this sector’s existing cohort of students i.e. those currently in the State. On the basis of these plans and subject to the conditions of the notice published by my Department (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3b8e5-notice-resumption-of-in-person-provision-for-the-english-language-education-sector/), limited, in-person activity could begin to resume within this sector from 19th July 2021 where it is safe to do so. This initial resumption of in-person activity is a key stepping stone on the pathway to recovery for the ELE sector in Ireland.
With the recent publication of COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting, which sets out Ireland’s plan for the next and final phase of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and which will see the broader reopening of Irish society, my Department is having further engagements with the ELE sector. An update will be provided to the sector shortly.
840. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the breakdown of the estimated €10 million (details supplied) current spending related to implementing the new direct provision system; the number of budgetary cycles the spending will be take place over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42432/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to English Language Provision Phase 1, the €8.5m costing was based on projected numbers as set out on the White Paper for the provision of intensive English Language supports being available to participants for a 6 month period. The cost of these intensive supports are based on costs of the Refugee Resettlement programme, which offers up to 20 hours English language provision per week in the first year of settlement. In relation to the English Language Provision Phase 2, the €1.5m refers to the cost of expanding the relevant programmes provided through the further education system to accommodate the projected numbers participating for a further 12 months.
In relation to the Student Support scheme anticipated spending, this costing of €300,000 was based on anticipated expenditure for the 2021 scheme in academic year 2021/22. The actual expenditure for the 2020 scheme (academic year 2020/21) was €253,038. The funding provided to each successful applicant consists of maintenance and fees with qualification criteria similar to the statutory based Student Grant Scheme (SUSI).
841. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will allow a late appeal for a person (details supplied). [42581/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision on eligibility for student grant assistance is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
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.
Under Section 21(2) of the Student Support Act 2011 an applicant has 30 days, from the date of the Appeals Officer’s decision in the awarding authority, to submit their appeal to the Student Grant Appeals Board (Board).
Under Section 21(3) of the Act the Board may extend this period by a further 30 days if it is satisfied that the applicant has given reasonable cause to do so.
The Board does not have any discretion to extend the time period beyond that allowed for in the Act.
My officials advised that the student in question has engaged in the SUSI appeals process but did not submit his appeal to the Student Grant Appeals Board within the required timeframe. Therefore the rate of grant awarded to the student remains the same.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
842. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the gender breakdown in construction-related apprenticeships over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42619/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of reports have highlighted that the number of women employed in craft apprenticeships is low, reflecting the traditionally low levels of women represented across the craft sectors. There is a specific focus on female participation as part of the Generation Apprenticeship national promotional campaign. In addition, SOLAS offer a bursary of €2,666 to eligible employers who employ women apprentices in one of the craft apprenticeships, however participation by women continues to lag behind other apprenticeships.
The Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 provides for an expansion of measures targeted to ensuring that the profile of the apprenticeship population more closely reflects that of society in general. To this end, the structure of the new apprenticeship system will include an equity of access committee which will advise on sectoral interventions to support widening of participation in apprenticeship.
Information in relation to the gender breakdown of the population in construction-related apprenticeships over the past three year can be found in attachment 1.
843. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of top-up bursaries for employing female apprenticeships that have been paid to employers in the construction sector; the breakdown by type of apprenticeship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42620/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraConstruction related apprentices are registered to the following craft apprenticeships: Brick and Stonelaying, Carpentry and Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Plastering, Plumbing, Stonecutting and Stonemasonry and Wood Manufacturing and Finishing. As of the end of June 2021 22 of the 5,048 construction apprentices were women. In addition 88 of the 7,583 electrical apprentices were women.
Bursaries for employing craft apprentices who are women are available across the 25 craft apprenticeship programmes. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to bursaries paid to employers in the construction sector is being compiled by SOLAS. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
844. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the requirement to hire construction apprentices has been included in any of the State’s large construction procurement contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42621/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of public sector procurement contracts are not held by my Department. The Action Plan for Aprrenticeship 2021-2025 which was published in April 2021 contains a provision that the Strategic Procurement Advisory Group, chaired by the Office of Government Procurement, will consider the potential for measures supporting apprenticeship through public sector procurement and deliver guidance on the inclusion of an apprenticeship provision within public sector tendering processes.
The Strategic Procurement Advisory Group is an advisory forum consisting of the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), government departments, and public procurement practitioners from across government. The Apprentice Working Group of the Strategic Procurement Advisory Group is being formed to achieve the key deliverable as outlined above, within the Action Plan for Apprenticeship. Terms of Reference for this working group are currently being finalised with the group due to report by year end.
845. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current progress on plans for a barbering apprenticeship scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42637/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprenticeship is a demand driven educational and training programme which aims to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market.
The development of a new apprenticeship is employer-led, with consortia comprising employer groups and educational providers coming together to identify a skills need and appropriate apprenticeship response in their sector.
The Apprenticeship Council examine any proposals arising in the context of identified skills needs. All apprenticeship proposals go through a rigorous evaluation process which is led by the Council, and approval is subject to the application meeting a prescribed set of requirements as set out in the handbook and guidance document on Developing a National Apprenticeship which may be accessed on www.apprenticeship.ie.
I understand from SOLAS that an expression of interest in developing an apprenticeship in barbering has already been received and they are engaging with the proposer in the matter. However, a formal proposal has not been received by the Apprenticeship Council to date.
847. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has directed third-level institutes to resume in person teaching; if students who have no choice from their college but to continue remote learning will receive a full or partial rebate on their college fees given they are not receiving the same experience as their counterparts in other colleges who will be returning to in person learning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42677/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Safe Return Plan, which was agreed following extensive discussions between sectoral representatives, institutions, public health, students, staff and other stakeholders and was published on the 15th June, is predicated on the sector’s full commitment to a significant increase in on-site teaching and learning activities and research.
The Plan provided a comprehensive framework for institutions to proceed with planning to safely return to significant on-campus learning, teaching, research and a broader student experience fully supported by public health authorities through the implementation of a comprehensive and extensive suite of precautionary measures.
The Plan fully recognises the autonomy and diversity of the higher and further education sector through the institutions developing and implementing their own plans for returning onsite. The way in which each institution implements the plan will differ, in line with their own local context and physical infrastructure. Local engagement with staff and student representatives is central on these plans and clear and consistent communication to learners and staff is a fundamental principle underlying the sectoral approach.
All HEIs have confirmed the return to on-site small group learning for 2021.The majority of HEIs have made plans for large-scale learning in 2021/22. Large lecture theatres, in particular, will be actively managed, either through applying percentage occupancy limits, setting a maximum class size, an upper limit on lecture length/ period of continuous occupancy or otherwise, depending on local context and risk assessment. These variations are in line with the autonomy given to the HEIs in the Plan to make decisions on the return to campus in line with their own infrastructure and institutional contexts.
Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day operations, management and administration. Any determination as to the level of fees to be charged is a matter for them in light of their own particular conditions and circumstances. It is important to note that the State currently provides very substantial financial support to undergraduate students in higher education towards the tuition fee cost of their studies. This commitment is demonstrated through the Free Fees Schemes under which the Exchequer currently contributes €357m to meeting the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate students in higher education. In addition, the Exchequer pays the student contribution of €3,000 per annum in full or part, through SUSI, for approximately 45% of free fee eligible students.
849. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken to facilitate remote working within his Department in particular to encourage remote working for those who live in the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42708/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra850. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit are accommodating requests for persons to work from home. [42758/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 849 and 850 together.
Staff of my department have been working in line with Government COVID-19 guidance, which had provided for home working to continue where possible. This was also the position adopted by aegis bodies of my department. Following the Taoiseach's announcement on the 1st of September, my department is now in the process of planning for a phased return to the workplace.
A central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives over the coming months. This framework will inform the development of organisation level blended working policies tailored to the specific requirements of each Department/Office, whilst ensuring a consistency of approach across key policy areas.
