Thomas Gould
Ceist:145. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection when the waiver for fixed line charges for pensioners was abolished. [50008/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (145)
Freagraí scríofa
I believe the Deputy is referring to the Telephone Allowance element of the Household Benefits package.
The telephone allowance element of the Household Benefits Package (HHB) was discontinued in 2014. The decision to discontinue the telephone allowance was estimated to provide annual savings of €48 million at that time. These savings meant that my Department was able to retain the other valuable elements of the household benefits package such as the electricity and gas allowance and the television licence.
While the telephone allowance was an important measure for vulnerable persons, the nature of the market has been transformed in recent years with deregulation, mobile services and bundled services including television, broadband and telephone. It makes the former notion of an allowance covering handset rental, standing charges and a number of calls somewhat outdated, when similar assistance can be achieved by increasing the rate of core payments, which benefit people regardless of whether they have a landline or not, and which can be spent by the recipients either on their landline-related costs, or on an alternative good or service of their own choosing.
Separately, the new telephone support allowance (TSA), which was announced in Budget 2018, is a weekly payment of €2.50. The TSA is not the same as the Telephone Allowance that formed part of the HHB package and has different qualifying criteria to the HHB Package. The primary objective of the TSA is to allow the most vulnerable people at risk of isolation, including the elderly and those with disabilities, access to personal alarms or phones for security.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Departmental Projects
Ceisteanna (146)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:146. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeline for the completion of a research project undertaken by the civil registration unit on the process of registration for babies born outside of the criteria for still birth and related matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49974/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The research project mentioned by the Deputy seeks to gain international experience for the criteria used for the registration of still births outside of the clinical/medical setting. Enquiries were made with several countries on what processes they have in place to define, classify, and register still births and pregnancies that are not currently defined as still births in Irish law.
Responses are currently being examined and I expect that this work will be completed by the end of November. Once this phase of work is completed, my Department plans to engage with interested parties and domestic advocacy groups in developing a set of policy options to inform what, if any, changes should be made to the current registration framework.
Separately, my Department has received the proposals from the Department of Health and the HSE seeking to change the current criteria for registration of a still birth to bring it into line with changes in clinical management of preterm infants.
I welcome the Deputy's interest in this sensitive matter for families and trust that I have set out how my Department plans to proceed over the coming months.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (147, 151)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:147. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the community employment supervisors dispute regarding entitlement to a pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49985/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Niall Collins
Ceist:151. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50036/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 151 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors have been seeking for several years, through their union representatives, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme for CE supervisors and assistant supervisors who are employed by CE scheme sponsors. This claim creates some difficulties because the State is not the employer of the supervisors.
Within this context, officials from my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform held discussions on proposals to progress and resolve this complex issue, while having regard to the wider budgetary framework. Department officials also held discussions with unions representing CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors.
At the start of April this year, agreement was reached with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on proposals to resolve the long-standing issue. These proposals include a financial package.
I am confident these proposals are a solid basis for progressing and resolving this complex issue. Discussions on these proposals are ongoing between my Department and the unions representing CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors. The unions have made a number of observations, and these are currently being examined by my officials in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and other relevant Government Departments.
My officials are continuing to progress this matter as a priority, and I would hope that these discussions can reach a conclusion in the near future.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (148)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:148. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the working family payment for a person (details supplied) was refused; if they are being penalised due to their pandemic unemployment payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49987/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly in-work payment which provides additional income support to employees on low earnings with children.
In order to qualify for working family payment, the applicant and their spouse, partner or cohabitant must be engaged in fulltime remunerative employment as an employee for not less than 38 hours per fortnight.
Working Family Payment for the person concerned expired on 29th September 2021 and at that time as the person concerned did not satisfy the above condition, their working family payment renewal application was disallowed.
Following receipt of additional information a review of the application has been undertaken and the decision has been revised, with payment awarded from 30th September 2021.
A decision letter will issue this week advising the customer of the revised decision and payment arrangements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (149)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:149. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person who received the fuel allowance while on the jobseeker’s allowance and continued to receive fuel allowance when they went on a community employment scheme will retain their fuel allowance when they transfer from a community employment scheme back onto the jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49995/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €28.00 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €784 each year) from October to April, to 370,000 low income households, at an estimated cost of €300 million in 2021 (subject to the Budgetary changes being introduced in Budget 2022). The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household.
The fuel allowance payment is targeted towards those who are more vulnerable to energy poverty, including those reliant on social protection payments for longer periods and who are unlikely to have additional resources of their own.
A person may only continue to receive the fuel allowance payment if they continue to satisfy the qualifying conditions - this includes the qualifying scheme criteria. Therefore, the fuel allowance payment can only continue if a person on a community employment scheme moves back onto a qualifying scheme such as long-term jobseekers allowance.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, a special heating supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances. Exceptional needs payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which an applicant is unable to meet from his / her own resources.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (150)
Richard O'Donoghue
Ceist:150. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if the allowance for electricity units for the elderly and persons claiming such entitlements can be increased due to planned increases from energy suppliers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50019/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Household Benefits Package (HHB) comprises the Electricity/Gas Allowance (€35 per month) and the Free Television Licence Scheme. My Department will spend approximately €265 million this year on HHB for over 480,000 customers.
The package is generally available to people living in the State aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test.
The package is also available to some people under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. Disability Allowance is one of these qualifying payments.
Any decision to enhance the overall HHB package or to increase the electricity and gas aspect of the package would have budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of overall budget negotiations.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, exceptional needs payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet out of their own resources, and this may include help towards the cost of utility bills. Decisions on such payments are made on a case-by-case basis.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 147.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (152)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:152. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to provide dedicated supports in addition to illness benefit for persons who are unable to work due to long Covid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50040/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability. It is important to note that entitlement to these supports is generally not contingent on the nature of the illness or disability but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work. My Department spent a total of €4.7 billion on illness, disability and caring payments in 2020.
In March of last year, under the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 and subsequent regulations, the Government provided for entitlement to illness benefit for persons who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 or are a probable source of infection with Covid-19. Expenditure on the enhanced Illness Benefit was €57 million in 2020, in addition to €593 million spent on standard Illness Benefit. Expenditure on the enhanced payment was €68 million from January to the end of September this year and is expected to be circa €84 million for all of 2021.
The enhanced rate of Illness Benefit was brought in as a short-term public health measure. It is payable for 2 weeks where a person is isolating as a probable source of infection of Covid-19 and up to 10 weeks where a person has been diagnosed with Covid-19.
This payment was designed to ensure that, where a registered medical practitioner or a HSE medical officer diagnoses a person with Covid-19 or identifies him or her as a probable source of infection of Covid-19, the person can comply with medical advice to isolate, while having their income protected. This is essential to limit and slow down the spread of the virus, to keep the number of people affected to a minimum, and to reduce a peak of cases which would cause extreme pressure on the health system.
In a case where a person continues to be ill beyond 10 weeks, standard Illness Benefit may be paid for an extended period, based on the person’s continued eligibility. Additional payments may also be made in respect of a qualified adult and qualifying children.
Apart from these income supports, my Department also provides means-tested supports under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who are ill but who do not qualify for Illness Benefit. The Department may also make an Exceptional Needs Payment to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income.
As a comprehensive set of income supports is in place for those experiencing illness and disability that impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work, I do not intend to introduce additional payments at this time.
My Department will continue to monitor the public health situation and to review its supports and payments schemes to ensure that they continue to meet their objectives.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Employment Support Services
Ceisteanna (153)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:153. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will respond to correspondence from an organisation (details supplied); if she will ensure that senior representatives of her Department, the organisation and other key stakeholders can have further engagements in relation to the most pragmatic and collaborative way forward and ensure constructive discussions regarding the continued provision of local employment services for communities in Ireland by members of the organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50069/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have noted the correspondence from the ILDN that the Deputy refers to and will issue a response shortly.
The current procurement process for employment services follows extensive consultations by my Department with the existing service providers over the last number of years. Officials in my Department also visited every Local Employment Service and Job Club in 2019 to get their views on what a new employment service model would look like. Many of the suggestions made then, including multi-annual contracts and greater financial autonomy, were incorporated into the Regional Employment Services model.
In addition, the external consultants engaged by the Department in late 2019 engaged a cross-section of relevant stakeholders before drafting their report.
My officials will continue the ongoing dialogue with the ILDN and other parties, including staff representatives. This will include further engagement with these organisations as the procurement process proceeds. My Department must adhere to its public procurement obligations and procure these new high-quality employment services in an open and competitive manner that is fair to all interested parties.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (154)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:154. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an appeal of the decision on a widow’s grant application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50072/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 February 2021. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 27 April 2021. The case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 5 May 2021.
On consideration of the case the Appeals Officer requested additional information in relation to the appeal from the person concerned on 5 August 2021 and this information was provided. The Appeals Officer also requested clarification on certain issues from the Department of Social Protection. The latest position is that the Department, on foot of the Appeals Officer's request, wrote to the person concerned on 11 October 2021 seeking confirmation of their son's participation in full-time education. When this clarification has been received the Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Personal Public Service Numbers
Ceisteanna (155)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:155. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection when a PPS number will issue for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50075/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is a unique reference number that helps a person access social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland.
In order to get a PPS Number, a person must provide evidence of their identity and address and the reason for requiring a PPS Number.
If a person is applying for a PPS Number to take up employment, they must have a signed offer of employment from an employer confirming when the job is due to start or when it started. This letter should be on company headed paper with the employer’s contact details and employer/company registered number. A person does not need a PPS Number if they are looking for work or for an employer to make an offer of employment.
Some other examples of why a person may need a PPS Number are:
to apply for a social welfare payment,
to access medical services,
to apply for or exchange a driver’s licence,
to access other public services, or
to register for a course in a school or college.
The person concerned applied for a PPS Number on 16/08/2021. The application was returned to the person on 16/09/2021 and she was asked to confirm the specific reason she required a PPS Number. The person concerned did not respond and the application has now expired.
It is open to the person to submit a new application and upload confirmation of the reason she requires a PPS Number together with evidence of her identity and address.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Residential Institutions
Ceisteanna (156)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:156. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to address the issues of the former residents of the Bethany homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49977/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes (and Certain Related Matters) was published in January of this year. Bethany Home was one of the 14 named mother and baby home institutions directly investigated by the Commission. In response to the findings of the Commission, Government committed to establishing a Restorative Recognition Scheme for eligible survivors of these Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. This Scheme will include a financial payment and a form of enhanced medical card.
An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was set up to develop detailed proposals for the Scheme, taking account of the recommendations of the Commission but not limited to those recommendations. The work of the IDG was guided by a human rights focus and informed by consultation with survivors which took place during March and April, with a strong response received to that consultation process.
The work of the Interdepartmental Group is effectively complete, and I look forward to receiving its final report and bringing proposals to Cabinet for approval later this month. When Cabinet approval for a Scheme is received, my Department will then begin the significant work necessary to establish this Scheme and make it available for applications as soon as possible in 2022.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (157)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:157. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans for the restoration of pay for section 56 and section 59 organisations in line with the Workplace Relations Commission brokered agreements for pay restoration for section 39 workers; his views on whether due to the fact that section 56 and 59 workers fall under a different Departmental funding stream they should not be excluded from the pay restoration awarded to section 39 workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49990/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under section 56 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, Tusla may enter arrangements with organisations to provide child and family services or services associated with the care and protection of victims of DSGBV. Section 59 of the Act provides for similar arrangements through a grant or contribution in kind to non-profit organisations for services supplemental to those provided by the Agency.
Such services are commissioned under a formal service level agreement and assist Tusla to fulfil its statutory responsibilities and deliver on the Agency's strategic objectives.
Each organisation funded under these arrangements operate independently of Tusla. Each is responsible for the recruitment of employees and the terms and conditions under which individuals are employed. Section 56(14) of the Act of 2013 stipulates that ‘an arrangement under this section shall not give rise to an employment relationship between a service provider, its employees or agents on the one hand and the Agency on the other ’.
Prior to the establishment of Tusla in 2014 some of the organisations now funded under section 56 were funded by the HSE under section 39 of the Health Act 2004. In October 2018 the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) reached agreement between the Department of Health and HSE and trade unions representing staff in certain section 39 organisations. Pay restoration in relation to organisations funded through section 39 was applied to organisations who met certain specific criteria. The criteria related to the organisations rather than types of individual workers that are employed in them. The criteria included only organisations who received in excess of an agreed, specified amount from the HSE by way of the Service Level Agreement process. Pay restoration was limited and solely applicable to those organisations included in the initial WRC agreement. This process has reached a final resolution and there is no scope to revisit eligibility criteria.
I am committed to working with colleagues in Government, Tusla and other service delivery partners to address the sustainability of voluntary organisations and ensure that we meet the needs of children, young people and their families across Ireland. I greatly appreciate the tremendous contribution made by the Community and Voluntary sector in supporting Tusla to deliver on its challenging mandate.
Youth Services
Ceisteanna (158)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:158. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to restore funding for youth work services to pre-2008 levels; if his attention has been drawn to a campaign (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50034/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In Budget 2022, I secured an additional €5 million in current funding for youth services. The additional funding will assist in the further development of youth services during 2022. More precise allocations across the youth subheads are currently being considered by my officials and details will be shared in due course.
In recent years, funding for the provision of youth services has increased on an annual basis. Between the years 2016 and 2022, the annual current youth funding available to my Department has increased from €51.9 million to €71.79 million. Including capital allocations, the total funding next year will be €73 million.
The additional funding secured for Youth Services is particularly important given the disproportionate impact Covid-19 has had on young people. This additional funding will allow us to re-engage young people in youth services, re-engage and train volunteers, and provide new youth services where needed.
It is now more critical than ever that our young people are supported as they experience the social, economic, physical and mental health impacts of the pandemic. In recognition of the vital role played by youthwork services in providing such support to young people, funding levels have been maintained throughout the current challenging period. This has enabled the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people. The increased funding in 2022 will enable DCEDIY to offer more supports to existing services, to help them reach more young people, and will enable the introduction of brand new services across the country.
As we begin to move beyond the pandemic, I am committed to supporting this important sector, which has enormous value to the many young people involved and from a broader social and economic viewpoint.
Protected Disclosures
Ceisteanna (159)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:159. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of protected disclosures received by his Department since June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49815/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with Section 22 of the Protected Disclosure Act 2014, my Department has published information on protected disclosures received during 2020 on its website: gov.ie - Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Protected Disclosures Annual Report 2020 (www.gov.ie)
In summary, my Department received no protected disclosures in 2020, to-date in 2021 there has been a total of 2 Protected Disclosures received by my Department. This figure relates to Protected Disclosures that were made to me under Section 8 of the Protected Disclosures Act from workers in the Education sector.
National Development Plan
Ceisteanna (160)
Matt Shanahan
Ceist:160. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a commitment will be given that funding and development for the WIT campus at Waterford will proceed regardless of other developmental issues that may arise in the other campus areas of Carlow and Wexford with respect to the revised National Development Plan which stipulates expansion of the WIT campus area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49586/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have been clear in my commitment to expanding the imprint of higher education in the south east region. This commitment includes a larger footprint for higher education in Waterford - a city which is targeted for compact and sustainable population growth under Project Ireland 2040.
The Deputy is aware of the new engineering, ICT and teaching building which is planned for the WIT campus as part of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership Programme. This building will add significant capacity to the Waterford campus to help address the increased demand. At almost 13,000 sqm, this is by far the largest of all projects under Programme and is expected to add space for in excess of 1,000 additional students.
In addition, officials from my Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) continue to work closely with WIT in relation to options for expanded campus provision. A detailed capital appraisal process is currently being undertaken by WIT, in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code.
While important investments are planned for Carlow and Wexford, I am clear that this must be in addition to the further development of higher education in Waterford. Waterford, as one of Ireland's five cities, has a crucial role to play in realising the ambitions of Project Ireland 2040, and a dynamic and expanded higher education presence must be supported to deliver on those ambitions.
Education and Training Provision
Ceisteanna (161)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:161. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the training fund which was promised to the former workers of a company (details supplied). [43799/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The €3m Training Fund, proposed by the Chairman of the Labour Court in the context of the liquidation of Debenhams Ireland, was endorsed by the former workers in May 2021.
The Fund will be financed from the National Training Fund and the necessary approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has been obtained. It will operate for 2 years providing support for career guidance/life coaching, education and training and business start-ups.
The Fund will be administered by SOLAS with an advisory committee, including representatives of Mandate and SIPTU on behalf of the former workers, to support the implementation of the Fund. The advisory committee has been established with Ms Cynthia Deane, former Chief Executive of Kilkenny Carlow ETB, as Chair. The committee held its inaugural meeting on 27th September.
SOLAS has developed a comprehensive support programme, including training grants, similar to those offered under previous European Globalisation Fund programmes. It has appointed a Programme Manager and is recruiting temporary support staff for the Fund while also establishing its administrative processes.
SOLAS has engaged with the liquidators to identify the individual former workers and contact is being made with the former workers to enable SOLAS compile a masterlist of those involved. SOLAS will communicate directly with the individuals concerned, inviting them to group information sessions, following which SOLAS will engage with the former workers individually.
Third Level Education
Ceisteanna (162)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:162. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an estimate of the number of emails he has received over the past three months from students experiencing difficulties with applying for the SUSI grant. [45190/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Student Grant Scheme is administered by the centralised national grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland), a business unit of CDETB (City of Dublin Education and Training Board), on behalf of the Department. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for SUSI to determine.
While my office receive many emails from students in relation to the student grant criteria I can confirm that in the past three months my office has received one email from a student who has experienced difficulties applying for the SUSI grant.
I understand from SUSI that they are currently awaiting documentation from the student to support their grant application.
Student Universal Support Ireland operates a complaints procedure to facilitate applicants who may wish to lodge a complaint in connection with the manner in which they have been dealt with by the awarding authority or any of its support staff.
The 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.
Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 65.
Third Level Admissions
Ceisteanna (164)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:164. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students who had the points for entry to high-demand courses such as veterinary science or medicine but who lost out on the lottery and received another offer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49826/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is not held by my Department.
The CAO process applications for undergraduate courses on behalf of the Higher Education Institutions. Decisions on admissions are made by the HEIs who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. Neither I nor my Department have a role in the operation of the CAO, and information on offers is held solely by the CAO and the HEIs.
Student Accommodation
Ceisteanna (165)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:165. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will request that purpose-built student accommodation ceases to be offered to tourists during term-time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49976/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Officials from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science have been engaging with officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding this trend in planning applications. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have issued a circular to the Chief Executives of all local authorities and pointed to the critical need for purpose-built student accommodation to be available to meet the needs of students in third level education.
The circular confirmed that purpose built student accommodation should not be used for other purposes, and that it should be safeguarded for use by students during the academic year.