Wednesday, 2 Mar 2022

Written Answers Nos. 129-149

School Accommodation

Ceisteanna (129)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

129. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) is scheduled to open two classes for children with ASD and one special class but cannot do so due to uncertainty regarding its permanent building; if she has been in touch with the school regarding the matter; the steps that are being taken to address the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11818/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The permanent school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy has been assigned to the Department’s Design & Build delivery programme. The Design & Build programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction. 

A pre-planning meeting with the Planning Department of the local authority was held to discuss the design proposals for the permanent school building project.  These discussions will inform the plans for developing the planning application documentation. The next key milestone for the project will be the submission of the planning application. It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.

Regarding the school’s interim accommodation, the school will move from their current interim location to the educational campus at Notre Dame, Churchtown for September 2022.  The school will have sufficient accommodation to cater for their mainstream requirements for September 2022 and 2023.  As there will also be two other schools accommodated at this campus for September 2022, it will not be possible to provide accommodation for the establishment of an SEN class for September 2022.  

My Department notes the school’s willingness to accommodate an SEN class and will give further consideration to the establishment of an SEN class for September 2023, if the accommodation allows for same.  The school /patron body have been fully informed of this situation. My Department will continue to address the interim accommodation requirements for the school and will keep the patron body and the school community updated as the project progresses.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (130)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

130. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 451 of 22 February 2022, if she will ensure that a school (details supplied) which had an allocation of two SNAs for four children during the 2021-2022 academic year will have its allocation increased for the next academic year to reflect the fact that there will be seven children in need of support from an SNA in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11849/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education

The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs.  Such support is provided in order to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.

SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual Principal/Board of Management of the school.  SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. 

Very significant levels of financial provision are made to ensure that all children with special educational needs can be provided with an education appropriate to their needs. 

The State currently spends approximately €2 Billion - almost a quarter - of its annual educational and training budget on making additional provision for children with special educational needs.

Budget 2022 announced details of €9.2 billion in funding for education and includes an allocation of 1,165 SNAs to meet the care needs of pupils in 2022 and will also enable the establishment of new special classes, creation of new places in special schools, support children in mainstream classes for the 2022/23 school year. This will bring the total number of SNAs to 19,169.   This represents an increase of 81% in the number of SNAs provided since 2011 at which point 10,575 SNAs were available.

The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews.

Where circumstances change during the course of the 2021/22 school year that materially increase the level of care need in a school to the extent that the school can clearly demonstrate that it cannot be met within the existing SNA allocation, the school may apply to the NCSE for a review. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website ncse.ie/for-schools.

Work is underway in relation to the SNA allocations for the 2022/23 school year. All stakeholders will be advised when the SNA allocation process has been completed and this will be done in line with previous years in May. 

School Admissions

Ceisteanna (131)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

131. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education the future planning requirement for primary school places in Mullingar with specific reference to current demand versus the number of places that are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11890/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

As the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, utilising data from a range of sources including child benefit data, departmental pupil databases, CSO statistics and information on recent and planned housing developments to forecast school place requirements at primary and post primary level.

Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, my Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity within that particular area and its ability to meet any increased demand. 

Where data indicates that additional provision is required at primary or post primary level, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:

- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,

- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,

- Provision of a new school or schools. 

My Department's most recent projections do not indicate significant increases in school place requirements at primary level in the Mullingar school planning area and it is expected that future demand can be catered for within the existing primary schools in the school planning area.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (132)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

132. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education the progress being made with the building of a school (details supplied); when it is scheduled to open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11923/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The major construction project for the school referred to by the Deputy commenced on site in October 2020. Works are progressing satisfactorily on site and it is anticipated that the school will be ready for occupation in quarter four 2022.

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (133)

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

133. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education the status of the publication of the review on current and future provision of out of school education. [12149/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Under Action 88 of the DEIS Plan my Department has undertaken a review of out-of-school education provision. This review was carried out by a Working Group chaired by my Department and comprised of representatives from stakeholders including the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Tusla, Solas, Education and Training Boards Ireland and the National Educational Psychological Service.

This review has been informed through the use of questionnaires, submissions from stakeholders and a public consultation process, including consultation with students. 

My Department is committed to a sustainable framework for out of school provision. I expect to soon be in a position to publish the report of the review and it is envisaged that the report will inform future policy in this area

Social Welfare Benefits

Ceisteanna (134)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

134. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the way her Department determines the number of hours of care that need to be provided for a carer on a full-time basis under the rules for getting the carer's support grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11894/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

My Department provides a comprehensive package of carers’ income supports including Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer’s Support Grant.  Combined spending on these payments to carers in 2022 is estimated to exceed €1.5 billion.  

The Carer’s Support Grant is an annual payment of €1,850 for each care recipient paid in a single lump sum with no requirement to satisfy a means test and it is available to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.  This grant is paid automatically to those in receipt of carer income supports.  This grant is not available for any other group nor is there an equivalent payment for carers in any other country in Europe.  Despite the extra financial demands due to the Covid-19 crisis, in Budget 2021 I increased the Carer’s Support Grant by €150 to its current rate of €1,850.  This is the highest rate since its introduction.  The estimated spend on this grant in 2022 is over €262 million.

A primary qualifying condition for the Carer’s Support Grant is that the applicant provides full-time care and attention to a person in need of such a level of care.  The person being cared for must be so incapacitated as to require full-time care and attention and be likely to require this full-time care and attention for at least 12 months.  The full-time care and attention requirement is contained in the respective legislative provisions of the Carer’s schemes.

The main legislative provisions relating to the Carer’s Support Grant are contained in Sections 224 to 226 of Part 5 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended, and associated regulations. Specifically, article 167 of Part 5 of the Social Welfare (Consolidated Claims, Payments and Control) Regulations 2007, S.I. No. 142 of 2007, provides for such matters as the circumstances in which a carer is to be regarded as continuing to provide full-time care and attention.  These regulations set a minimum hours condition for which a carer can be regarded as providing full-time care and attention in relation to that person’s eligibility for the Carer’s Support Grant.  They stipulate that a carer provides care for not less than 35 hours in a period of 7 consecutive days, and this care is provided on any 5 days, whether consecutive or not, within a period of 7 consecutive days.

While the carer's payments are premised on the provision of full-time care and attention by the carer they do provide good flexibility in terms of allowing carers to engage in training, education or work up to 18.5 hours per week.  During this time, adequate provision must be made for the care of the relevant person.  This was increased from 15 hours as part of Budget 2020 in response to requests from carer's organisations and carers themselves who found the 15 hours too restrictive.  The 18.5 hour limitation represents a reasonable balance between meeting the requirement for providing full-time care for the care recipient and the needs of the carer to engage in employment or education, thereby supporting a carer’s continued attachment to the workforce and broader social inclusion.

Any changes to the eligibility conditions for any of the statutory schemes operated by my Department, including the Carer’s Support Grant, would require legislative change and would need to be addressed in an overall policy and budgetary context.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Ceisteanna (135)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

135. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that some pensioners in the age bracket 60 to 69 years of age who paid a class D stamp are not permitted to access the household benefits package until they are 70 years old; if she is considering changing the rules for this cohort; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11861/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Household Benefits package (HHB) comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence.  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.  My Department will spend approximately €273 million this year on HHB. 

A person aged between 66 and 69 who is not receiving a qualifying payment from the Department such as the State Pension (Contributory) may still apply for the HHB package, subject to satisfying a means test.  This includes a person who previously paid a class D stamp.

The means test involves calculating their appropriate weekly means limit.  This limit is based on the current maximum rate of State pension (contributory) including any increases for age, living alone, and adult/child dependents plus €120.  The weekly income limit is then compared to their weekly means as assessed in a means test.  If their weekly means are less than or equal to their income limit, then they satisfy the means test and qualify for the household benefits package, subject to also satisfying all other qualifying conditions.

Any decision to change the qualifying criteria for HHB to allow persons such as civil and public servants who paid a class D stamp to automatically qualify for the package when they turn 66 would have wider budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of overall budget negotiations.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Ceisteanna (136)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

136. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding treatment benefit in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11892/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Treatment Benefit Scheme provides dental, optical and aural services to insured workers, the self-employed, retired people and their dependent spouse/partner who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions.

In order to qualify a person needs to have at least 260 PRSI contributions paid at either Class A, E, H, P or S, since first starting work, and also have 39 contributions paid or credited in the relevant contribution year on which the claim is based.

The Department has undertaken a review of the social insurance record of the person concerned and can confirm that he is entitled to dental benefit under the Department's Treatment Benefit scheme, which is based on PRSI contributions. An approval notification will issue to him in the coming days.

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Ceisteanna (137)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

137. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to including foster carers as an eligible group as part of the recent recommendations by the Pension Commission regarding establishing a State pension for long-time carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11995/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Programme for Government “Our Shared Future” includes a commitment to examine options for a pension solution for carers, most of whom - particularly the carers of incapacitated children – are women.  This Government acknowledges the important role that carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role.

Subject to the standard qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) being satisfied, the State pension system currently gives significant recognition to those whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, often to raise families or in a full-time caring role, through the award of credits and/or the application of the Homemaker’s Scheme (under the Yearly Average method for payment calculation) and/or the application of HomeCaring Periods (under the Interim Total Contributions Approach (TCA)).  Details of these are – 

Credits – PRSI Credits are awarded to recipients of Carer’s Allowance (and Carer’s Benefit) where they have an underlying entitlement to credits and to workers who take unpaid Carer’s Leave from work.

Homemaker’s Scheme - The scheme is designed to help homemakers and carers qualify for State Pension (Contributory).  It allows periods caring for children or people with a caring need to be disregarded (from 1994) and can have the effect of increasing the Yearly Average.

HomeCaring Periods – This Scheme makes it easier for a home carer to qualify for a higher rate of State Pension (Contributory).  HomeCaring Periods may be awarded for each week not already covered by a paid or credited social insurance contribution.

Foster parents are entitled to the benefits of the Homemaker's Scheme or HomeCaring Periods, on the same basis as other homemakers, and will qualify if the carer is in receipt of Child Benefit.  If not in receipt of Child Benefit, they can still qualify for either scheme if the caring periods are confirmed by TUSLA (where caring is for a short period of time).

Since April 2019 all new State (Contributory) Pension applications are assessed under all possible rate calculation methods, including the Yearly Average and the Interim TCA, with the most beneficial rate paid to the pensioner.  The elements which make up each method are set out in legislation. 

If a person does not satisfy the conditionality to qualify for State Pension (Contributory), s/he may qualify for the means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory), the maximum rate of which is over 95% that of the maximum rate of the State Pension (Contributory).  Alternatively, if his/her spouse is a State pensioner with significant household means, his/her most beneficial payment may be an Increase for a Qualified Adult, based on his/her personal means, and amounting to up to 90% of a full contributory pension. 

The Pensions Commission was established in November 2020 to examine the sustainability of the State Pension system and the Social Insurance Fund, in fulfilment of a Programme for Government commitment.  It was an independent body comprised of knowledgeable and experienced academics, pension experts, members of civil society and representatives of workers and employers.  The Commission’s Report has unambiguously established that the current State Pension system is not sustainable into the future and that changes are needed, and has set out a wide range of recommendations in this regard - including the full transition to a TCA model, phasing out of the Yearly Average approach and measures to enhance pension provision for long-term carers (over 20 years). 

In the interests both of older people and of future generations of older people, the Government intends to consider the comprehensive, far reaching recommendations in the Commission’s Report very carefully and holistically.  In this regard I intend to bring a recommended response and implementation plan to Government for its consideration by the end of March 2022.  

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Emergency Accommodation

Ceisteanna (138)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

138. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the situation in relation to the provision of emergency accommodation for persons arising from domestic abuse at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11884/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-Agency issue coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, provides supports for victims of domestic violence primarily through funded NGO service providers.

I have been previously informed by Tusla that support for victims of DSGBV in County Offaly is available through the services of Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services (ODVSS), which is based in Tullamore and funded by Tusla. ODVSS received an allocation of approximately €247,000 in 2021 to support their important work. This amount is inclusive of additional funding to address service pressures arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has allowed for this service to operate at weekends. In relation to a dedicated refuge, there is no purpose built refuge facility in County Offaly at present, but women can avail of emergency domestic violence accommodation in Counties Kildare and Westmeath, where there are two refuges supported by Tusla. I am aware, along with Tusla, of the gaps in emergency accommodation provision across the Midlands area, including County Offaly.

Tusla’s recently published ‘Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence’ assesses the current and requisite distribution of safe emergency accommodation and 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.

Government will be guided by the recommendations of the Review. I expect that the implementation process for the Review will identify priority areas where there is greatest urgency in achieving safe accommodation for victims of DSGBV.  

Asylum Seekers

Ceisteanna (139)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

139. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will commit to resettle Ukrainian refugees with family members living in Ireland. [12158/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Firstly, I would like to assure you that I am deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine.

We are monitoring the situation closely and my Department has begun planning to enable a quick and effective response to support Ukrainian nationals who come to Ireland seeking international protection.

I will liaise with the Cabinet and my EU colleagues to ensure an effective humanitarian response. My Department will work closely with key stakeholders, the European Commission, other EU Agencies and Member States in order to be prepared for a sudden increase in individuals seeking international protection in the EU and to support the EU's coordination approach in this regard.

I can confirm that accommodation will be made available by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) to those Ukrainian nationals who seek international protection in Ireland should they require it.

As the Deputy will be aware, it is not possible to estimate the number of Ukrainians likely to come to Ireland as the situation remains so volatile.

Ireland will not be found wanting in offering  citizens of Ukraine the humanitarian support they will need at this devastating time.

Childcare Services

Ceisteanna (140)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

140. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children enrolled in school age children services nationally. [11805/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (Deputy Roderic O'Gorman)

Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile, gathered in June 2021, estimated that there were 181.565 children enrolled in early learning and childcare services nationally. Of these children, approximately 18% were classified as school-going children.

This data is based on early learning and childcare services in contract to provide DCEDIY funding schemes only. In addition to this, there are up to 600 standalone school-age childcare services registered with Tusla providing services to school-going children but not in contract to provide DCEDIY schemes.

My Department continues to monitor developments in relation to early learning and childcare capacity.

In this context, data collection for the 2022 Annual Early Years Sector Profile will commence in April to provide an updated estimate of, inter alia, enrolments in DCEDIY funded services.

Asylum Seekers

Ceisteanna (141)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

141. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a list of the migrant reception centres in Dublin 9 and 11 will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11814/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Deputy, I can confirm that there are two pre-reception centres in Dublin 9 - the Holiday Inn Express, Dublin Airport and the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dublin Airport.

I can also confirm that there is one reception centre in Dublin 11, the National Reception Centre (NRC), Balseskin.

Legislative Programme

Ceisteanna (142)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

142. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide details of the legislative proposals to be introduced to provide for an extension of current entitlements for paid breastfeeding and lactation breaks for mothers under the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004; if he will provide a timeline of these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12007/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I intend to bring forward legislative proposals in the coming weeks to to extend the current entitlement to paid breastfeeding/lactation breaks for breastfeeding mothers in the workforce from 26 to 104 weeks under the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Acts in line with commitments in FIRST 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families and the National Strategy for Women and Girls.

The extension of breastfeeding breaks is an important support for mothers returning to the workforce after the birth of their child, and will facilitate the combination of breastfeeding and working in line with the WHO recommendation to continue breastfeeding, in combination with suitably nutritious and safe complementary foods, until children are two years old.

Asylum Seekers

Ceisteanna (143)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

143. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the average waiting time for persons in emergency accommodation centres for asylum seekers to be issued with an appointment or invitation to the International Protection Office; the number of asylum seekers that are in emergency accommodation and Balseskin, Dublin who have not yet formally applied for protection nor received their temporary residency card; the steps that will be taken to ensure swift access to all material supports in line with Ireland’s international human rights obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12032/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The International Protection Office (IPO) collate the requested figures regarding the first two parts of your question. I suggest that you request this information from the IPO via my colleague, the Minister for Justice, namely:

a) the average time for persons in Emergency Accommodation to be issued an appointment with the IPO, and

b) the number of persons in Emergency Accommodation and the National Reception Centre who have not formally applied for international protection or received their temporary residency card.

I am happy to inform you of the protocols that have been put in place to protect international protection (IP) applicants and residents as well as enabling swift access to material supports.

The International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) works with relevant Departments and Agencies, including the Department of Education, the Department of Health and the Health Services Executive (HSE) to ensure that their systems can respond quickly to increased demand for services.

Social Services and material supports for all IP applicants are mainstreamed within state service provision. For example, new arrivals are provided with a medical card at the earliest opportunity and IP Applicants access health services through the same referral pathways as Irish citizens, including referral to disability and mental health services. DECDIY IPAS staff and the onsite NGOs are providing residents with direct support to assist them with their application for a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) through a dedicated Department of Social Protection (DSP) support team in order to speed up the process for allocation of a PPSN.

Furthermore, all residents have access to an independent support helpline operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and funded by the Department. The JRS helpline contact number is 1800 929 008 or you can email: [e-mail]. If a resident wishes, a complaint made through this service may be passed, in confidence, to IPAS for investigation and resolution. The JRS have also launched their app for IP applicants. welcomejrs.ie/ is available in multiple languages and seeks to assist IP applicants, service-users and customers in navigating the protection process and accessing mainstream services.

Official Engagements

Ceisteanna (144)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

144. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of meetings he has had with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission concerning the Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022. [12155/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I have not met the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) specifically on the Birth Information and Tracing Bill though I listened carefully to their submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny process. I am satisfied that, where possible, matters raised by IHREC will be provided for in the legislation or through the implementation process.

I note that IHREC specifically raised the issue of adequate resources being in place upon enactment and, as I have confirmed previously, significant extra resources have been provided to both Tusla and the Adoption Authority to ensure readiness for implementation. IHREC also submitted views on the importance of providing timelines for processing applications and this matter is currently under active consideration by my Department.

I also noted the IHREC position on identity rights for children under 16 and I confirm my commitment to advancing work on provisions for children under 16 separate to the Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022.  As the Deputy will know the impetus for this legislation is the recognised, urgent need to provide access to adult adoptees, particularly in recognition that many of these have waited decades.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Ceisteanna (145)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

145. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship applications that are outstanding; the number of apprenticeship applications in the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11855/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

In 2021, a record 8,607 new apprentices were registered in the apprenticeship system. This is an increase of over 38% in comparison to 2020. 6,955 registrations were in craft apprenticeships, and largely in the construction sector. There were 1,652 registrations on the newer, post-2016 programmes. At the end of 2021, the overall apprentice population was 24,212.

Regarding the deputy’s question on the number of apprenticeship applications that are outstanding; specifically in construction the attached table shows yearly registrations to date in construction apprenticeships as well as current apprentice waiting lists for off the job training as of February 2022.

My Departments officials have requested information from SOLAS on all other apprenticeships besides Construction. It will be sent on to the deputy as soon as it is available.

Construction Trades by Population and Registrations (ytd) and Waiting Lists up to end of February 2022

Trade	Live Population	Registrations in 2022 (ytd)	Waiting for Phase 2	Waiting for Phase 4	Waiting for Phase 6	Comments
Brick and Stonelaying	281	9	92		5
Cabinet Making	1
Carpentry and Joinery	2262	102	825	3
Painting and Decorating	116	3	30		3
Plastering	96	3	8	5
Plumbing	2617	126	951	95	5
Stonecutting and Stonemasonry	20		5
Wood Manufacturing and Finishing	365	19	130	22
Geo Driller	27		20			Post 2016 Apprenticeship
Scaffolding	38	1	33			Post 2016 Apprenticeship
Electrical	8700	371	3471	70	7	Included from Electrical

Student Accommodation

Ceisteanna (146)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

146. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined. [11904/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I am very conscious of the challenges faced by students seeking to access affordable student accommodation.

Fundamentally the underlying issue is one of supply and there is a need to increase the supply of all types of accommodation including student accommodation. That is why Government launched Housing for All led by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage which sets out a series of actions which will be delivered to address the housing crisis backed by a transformative budget of €20 billion.

However, the Government has taken measures to address both upfront payments and rent increases. Rent increases in student accommodation are capped under the Rent Pressure Zones (RPZ). Recent legislation restricts the amount that students can be required to pay up front for their accommodation, ending the practice whereby students were required to pay a lump sum up front each term. For tenancies created on or after 9 August 2021, the Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 restricts the total amount that anyone is required to pay to a landlord by way of a deposit or an advance rent payment to secure a tenancy to no more than the equivalent of 2 months’ rent (i.e. any deposit cannot exceed 1 month’s rent and any advance rent payment cannot exceed 1 month’s rent). Previously, families were required to pay a lump sum each term (often in the range of €2,500 to €3,500). The Act also limits termination notice periods in respect of student-specific accommodation, so that no more than 28 days’ notice is required to be given by students.

My Department is continuing to work closely with Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on these issues. We are also working with Higher Education Institutions to address these matters too.

Third Level Fees

Ceisteanna (147)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

147. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the increased distance criteria for SUSI and income thresholds will be in place for the forthcoming applications in the 2022-2023 academic year. [11905/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI, provides grant assistance to students pursuing 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. It assists over 70,000 students annually to access third level education.   

The eligibility criteria for student grants are reviewed annually by the Department and approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. All proposals made in relation to education expenditure, including student grants, are considered in the context of the annual Budget.  

As part of Budget 2022, I have secured an additional €15m to enhance the existing financial supports under the Student Grant Scheme for implementation in 2022.

For the academic year 2022/23 this will mean:-

- An increase to all student grant maintenance payments, including the special rate of grant, of €200 per year which will benefit all students entitled to receive a maintenance Grant.

- The income thresholds to qualify for the standard rates of student grant have been increased by €1,000.

- The qualifying distance criterion for students to qualify for the non-adjacent rate of grant has been reduced from 45km to 30km, effective from the start of the 2022/23 academic year.

I have prioritised these changes for the 2022/23 academic year and they will benefit thousands of students, building on the improvements that have already been made for postgraduate students through this year’s student grant scheme. These improvements to the student grant scheme have been a priority for me since taking up my Ministerial appointment.

Student Visas

Ceisteanna (148, 149, 150)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

148. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice the average processing time for student visas, both short stay C visas and long stay D visas; the actions she will take to ensure that visas are processed in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11822/22]

Peter Burke

Ceist:

149. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice the measures that are in place to ensure the timely delivery of student visas for student applicants travelling from Nigeria to pursue periods of study in third-level colleges. [11823/22]

Peter Burke

Ceist:

150. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice the way that the processing time of visa applications can be expedited to ensure competitive markets are tapped into by third-level colleges in view of investment into student recruitment drives to countries such as Nigeria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11824/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 to 150, inclusive, together.

Decisions regarding the granting or refusal of study visas are made in a number of Visa Offices overseas, in the Immigration Service Visa Office in Dublin, and at certain Embassies of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which process certain visa applications under delegated sanction from my Department. Applications from Nigerian residents are normally processed in Abuja.

The processing times for visa decisions are published on the Visa pages of each Visa Office and Embassy website.  As of 22nd February 2022 the Dublin Visa Office was processing study visa applications received in Dublin on 2 November 2021. As of 28 February 2022 the Abuja Visa Office was processing study visa applications received in Abuja on 21 December 2021.

The business target for processing study visas is eight weeks.  However, the processing time at each office and location worldwide is determined by a number of factors such as the volume and complexity of applications, whether investigation is required or not, individual circumstances, peak application periods, seasonal factors, and the resources available.  While every effort is made to process applications as quickly as possible, processing times inevitably vary as a result.   

My Department also maintains ongoing contact with representatives of third level institutions in the State on matters relating to international students and their entry and

residence requirements. 

The Deputy can be assured that every effort is made to keep processing times to a minimum, and a number of measures have been put in place to deal with the increased demand for visas to come to Ireland.  This has included the assignment of additional staff to deal with applications, and more generally the streamlining of visa processes where possible.  The position in this regard is being kept under review. 

The central concern in deciding on visa applications, as with all visa services worldwide, is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime while at the same time facilitating travel for those who meet the criteria.  Each visa application is therefore decided on its own merits taking all factors into account. 

Question No. 149 answered with Question No. 148.