Written Answers Nos. 524-543
524. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to childcare facilities increasing fees despite the Transition Fund being in place; the way that his Department is monitoring compliance in this regard; the steps that a parent can take if their childcare facility is engaging in this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28137/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra525. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the fee increase imposed on parents in November 2021 still stands in cases in which a childcare facility sends an increased fees list to Pobal in September 2021 and were waiting approval on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28138/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 525 and 524 together.
One of my top priorities in Government is to improve affordability of Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) for parents. The package of measures I announced in Budget 2022 is designed to ensure that fees to parents do not increase and that the full affordability benefits of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme are felt without being absorbed in fee increases.
I am concerned to hear of providers proposing to increase their fees at a time when the Government continues to support ELC and SAC providers significantly as they exit the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS).
Between May and August a Transition Fund is in place. This is a temporary, once-off scheme, to support providers transition from the EWSS to the new Core Funding stream. The Transition Fund is operating ahead of the introduction of a new Core Funding stream in September 2022.
In the case of the Transition Fund and Core Funding, the contractual requirement is that fees to remain at or below September 2021 levels for the period of the schemes. These requirements for both the Transition Fund and Core Funding will apply to all services who contract into the schemes. Participation in both schemes is optional.
I am pleased that approximately 93% of providers have now signed-up to participate in the Transition Fund and thereby agree to maintain their fees at or below September 2021 rates. I have had very few reports of ELC and SAC providers increasing their fees and in the instances referenced in the Deputy's questions, it is not clear whether or not the providers in question are participating in the Transition Fund. If so, they are required by contract not to charge fees above those charged in September 2021.
A key element in ensuring the affordability policy objectives of the schemes are met is helping parents know what services are participating in the Transition Fund (and subsequently Core Funding), and providing the corresponding commitment in respect of fees. To this end, my Department has published a list of all services/providers who have signed up to the Transition Fund. This list is available at first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/core-funding/
Pobal, as scheme administrator, manages compliance on all ELC and SAC schemes. Any parent or provider who has any queries about the operation of the Transition Fund or Core Funding can contact their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) for assistance and support at: myccc.ie/where-is-my-nearest-ccc If it is the case that the providers in question are participating in the Transition Fund, I would be grateful if further detail of the instances referred to could be raised with the local CCC for further examination.
The introduction of fee management measures is one of the recommendations of an Expert Group on a new funding model for ELC and SAC, as approved by Government. The 'freezing' of fees at or below September 2021 levels is the first step in this process. The fee management system will be developed further in future years. Further information on proposed fee management mechanisms in the longer term is available in the Group's report, 'Partnership for the Public Good', which was published in December 2021.
Core Funding will be funding directly to providers and is designed improve affordability, quality, inclusion and sustainability. Core Funding will operate alongside the NCS and ECCE and constitute additional income for providers on top of funding for these schemes, as well as income from parental fees.
Extensive information on Core Funding is being communicated to the sector, including detail on the way in which Core Funding will be allocated to individual services. A Ready Reckoner has also been launched to assist providers in estimating the potential value of Core Funding for their individual service, as well as to test different scenarios. The provider contract for Core Funding will be published in June so applicants can review what they will later be asked to sign in August. At the end of August, Core Funding payments to providers commence.
526. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if employers are required to pay apprentices based on time served rather than the phase of the apprenticeship; the way that his Department will ensure that employers follow this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28033/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprentices are primarily employees and all of the 65 available apprenticeships are undertaken under a contract of employment. For the majority of apprenticeships, the rate of pay is agreed between the apprentice and the employer, with the employer paying the apprentice during both on-the-job and off-the-job training elements of the programme.
Information on employment legislation is available from a number of sources including the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at www.enterprise.gov.ie and the Workplace Relations Commission at www.workplacerelations.ie.
The following information applies to the 25 craft apprenticeship programs currently available:
- Craft apprentices are entitled to a pay increase on the first anniversary of when they were registered as an apprentice by their employer and every subsequent anniversary after that.
- Via national social partner agreements, craft apprentices’ rates of pay are applied on an annual basis starting from the date of registration with SOLAS as a statutory apprentice and on the anniversary thereafter.
- These yearly increases are not dependent on completion of Phases 2, 4 or 6 or the passing of related exams. Employers therefore should not withhold an increase on the basis of an apprentice not having attended a particular phase of the apprenticeship or having failed an exam.
- Employers must comply with the statutory obligations imposed by the Industrial Training Act, 1967 (as amended), and any Apprenticeship Rules (which may apply in relation to the relevant programme from time to time). Apprentices are employees and apprentice employers must comply with all statutory obligations including all current employment legislation.
527. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of craft apprentices who have been registered for over four or two years in the cases of those registered on two-year apprenticeships in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27278/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra529. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average duration of time it takes to complete each type of apprenticeship in practice, rather than the intended duration in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27280/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 527 and 529 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to this issue has been requested from SOLAS.
Officials in my Department are engaging with SOLAS to confirm the position and the details will be communicated to the Deputy as soon as possible.
528. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of processes of recognition-of-prior-learning that were used in each apprenticeship-type for the past three years; if the use of same has any impact on the level of support or incentive offered to employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27279/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the use of the recognition of prior learning procedures is being compiled by SOLAS. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
530. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will clarify the eligibility criteria for a course (details supplied) where the provider is stating one eligibility criteria while Solan is stating a different criteria. [27287/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) programmes provide for the training, assessment, certification and registration of non-craft operatives, providing the knowledge and skills needed for occupations within the construction sector. There is a new entrant programme for individuals who do not have the relevant experience for CSCS assessment and individuals that have no experience on Telescopic Handler and are seeking employment within the construction industry.
This programme will assist participants in securing employment and to gain the necessary onsite experience to undertake the assessment for experienced operator candidates. The aim of this programme is to enable new entrant plant operators to gain recognition through assessment of their skills and knowledge for the safe operation of Telescopic Handler under supervision. On successful completion of the New Entrant Programme, participants receive a Solas CSCS New Entrant Registration Card with an expiry date of two years from the date of the course. This two-year period is to enable participants to acquire the minimum of six months experience required to attend a CSCS experienced operator course.
- The criteria for the three-day New Entrant Programme is:
- At least three months full time experience working on a construction site
- Valid SOLAS SafePass registration card
Be 18 years of age or over
For the Experience Operator Programme as a Telescopic Handler, candidates must have:
- At least six months full time experience operating as a trainee Telescopic Handler operator in construction in accordance with the 5th Schedule – of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 – S.I. No. 291 of 2013. The six months experience must be within the last two years.
- Valid Solas Safe Pass registration card
- Be at least 18 years of age
I trust this clarifies the eligibility criteria for the Telescopic Handler (Teleporter) course.
531. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider waiving some or all of the fees for students who have switched college courses, given that the experience of remote-learning distorted their ability to make a timely assessment that they were unsuited for their original choice of course. [27348/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fee payable by a student can vary depending on a variety factors including the type of course and the student's access route including previous education.
In considering the position it is important to distinguish between the free fees policy of an individual Higher Education Institution and the eligibility criteria of separate tuition fee schemes provided by my Department.
Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies and the total level of tuition fees payable is a matter for the institution to determine, including during the period where delivery methods were adjusted in response to COVID. Should a student choose to depart a course of study during the academic year they may be entitled to a refund or partial refund of fees paid depending on the fee policy of the institution they were attending.
For Undergraduate students, under my Department’s Free Fees Initiative (FFI), the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate higher education students with students paying the student contribution.
A key principle of the scheme is to support students in progressing through a chosen course of study from year to year. To satisfy the terms and conditions of the FFI in relation to progression, a student must be moving from year to year within a course having successfully completed the previous year or, having successfully completed a course, is progressing to another related course where the award for the subsequent course is of a higher level than the previous course.
Typically students are not supported for a repeat period of study or for a different course at the same level under the FFI, however in exceptional circumstances such as ill health an exception may be allowed. The objective of this policy is to help as many students as possible to obtain one qualification at each level of study. However, once an equivalent period of study has been completed on the new course, the student may be eligible for free fees funding for the remainder of the course. An individual student's eligibility for the scheme, is assessed by the institution in accordance with the terms of the scheme.
Where undergraduate students do not meet the qualifying criteria of the FFI they are required to pay tuition fees in full to their higher education institution. It is a matter for the higher education institution as an autonomous body to determine the applicable fee rate for students.
In general there is a real requirement to have a responsive approach to student needs wherever possible and it is important to acknowledge that HEIs have to date shown enormous willingness to be responsive in numerous ways where a student's study was impacted by COVID-19. I would encourage any student who is struggling with their course to contact their institution or access officer to be informed of the wide range of services which are available to them to support them on their journey, prior to making any decisions regarding the cessation of their studies.
532. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of all of the current borrowings of all Higher Education Authority-funded higher education institutions in Ireland; the original value and date of the loans; the purpose of each loan; the repayment schedules, interest rates and the lenders in each case; the nature of any State guarantee or underwriting of each loan in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27429/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish Universities have autonomy to borrow in their own name within a framework to be agreed with the HEA, the Dept of Finance and Dept of Public Expenditure and Reform. Section 38 of the Universities Act, 1997 states that: (1) A university may borrow money by means of bank overdraft or otherwise and may guarantee or underwrite a loan taken or borrowing undertaken by a person or a body of persons. (2) Borrowing, guaranteeing and underwriting under subsection (1) shall be in accordance with a framework which shall be agreed from time to time between the universities and An tÚdarás, following consultation by An tÚdarás with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Minister for Finance. The intent of the framework is as follows: That a university can engage in borrowing, underwriting and guaranteeing activities provided that they impose no threat to, and do not create any contingent liabilities for, the public purse. To ensure that the capacity of a university to function effectively is not endangered. That advanced approval by An tÚdarás or the ministers, of individual instances of borrowing, underwriting or guaranteeing by a university would not be required. University borrowing arising from fully self-financed or tax financed projects approved under the Finance Acts, are not subject to the borrowing limit established under this framework and may take place provided the servicing of those borrowings has no impact on the annual income of the University. The HEA provided the below information in relation to University borrowing.: Total University borrowings at 30 September 2021 were €942m Analysed by Lender: Lender EIB; value €618m; Average Interest Rate of 1.1% to 1.9% Lender HFA; value €105m; Average Interest Rate of 1.5% to 2% Lender ISIF; value €21m; Average Interest Rate 4% (Ireland Strategic Investment Fund) Lender Commercial Banks; value €198m; Average Interest Rate 1% to 6%. The purpose of these loans is to fund a range of capital development projects. The original value of these loans amounted to €1,034m. There is no State guarantee or underwriting provided for these loans. While universities are required to submit details of their Framework and non-Framework borrowings to the HEA on an annual basis, the HEA does not have details regarding dates of drawdowns or repayment schedules. There has been no borrowing framework in place for the Technological Universities or Institutes of Technology. Waterford Institute of Technology, now South East Technological University obtained an interest free State loan of €12.1m in 2014 to assist with the purchase of student accommodation and completion of a sports arena. Repayments are €903k per annum. The balance outstanding at 31 August 2021 was €7.2m. The Department has secured agreement to allow TUs borrow. Final arrangements are now being worked on with the TUs.
533. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the prioritisation exercise for capital expenditure and capital project approval process for all Higher Education Authority-funded higher education institutions in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27430/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe revised National Development Plan (NDP) provides for Exchequer investment of nearly €2.9 billion in further and higher education infrastructure, research and innovation over the five-year period 2021–2025.
This is in addition to infrastructure to be delivered by way of the Higher Education PPP programme Public Private Partnership (PPP), which is focused on Technological Universities/Institutes of Technology.
Higher education capital funding is mainly organised on the basis of funding programmes, which have tailored parameters depending on the objectives that they seek to achieve. Capital investment is an enabler of wider sectoral objectives and there is therefore close alignment between policy priorities and capital investment decisions.
The key Exchequer funding programmes to date include the following:
- Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund
- Higher Education Infrastructure Upgrade and Refurbishment Fund
- Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme (co-funded with SEAI)
- Apprenticeship Grant
- Devolved Capital Grant
- The funding allocations under the co-funded Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund (HESIF) and the EEDPP 2020 and 2021 programmes were done by way of competitive call against set criteria outlined in the call documents. Applications were appraised by assessment teams under the terms and conditions that issued to institutions.
The Apprenticeship Grant funding requirements in the higher education sector are identified following HEA engagement TUs and IoTs in relation to available capacity and expansion potential and a joint submission (from the HEA and SOLAS) is submitted to the Department. Once funding is allocated for the higher education sector, it is the responsibility of the HEA to prioritise and manage that funding, in accordance with conditions set down by the Department.
The Devolved Capital Grant is generally allocated to individual institutions in accordance with a model based primarily on student numbers, weighted by course type and mode of student.
In February of this year, my Department launched the next phase of capital investment in the higher education sector. Higher Education Institutions were invited to apply for funding for capital projects under two new programme calls - Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund (TSSPF) & Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund (HESIF) II.
The TSSPF will support additional capacity, upgrading and enhancement of current infrastructure, including research and innovation activity across the IOT and TU sector. It will be open to 100% funding of capital projects. TSSPF will involve a two-stage assessment process, commencing with an assessment of the strategic rationale which is expected to be completed by mid-June, if approved at this stage, moving on to development of a detailed business case.
The Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund (HESIF II) was launched with the objective of delivering high quality higher education infrastructure within HEIs which will deliver a major strategic impact for Ireland's future skills needs. HEIs can apply for up to 50% of the total project costs to a maximum of €25m, with the balance of funding to be secured by HEIs. The evaluation of the applications has just recently commenced.
534. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of all current ongoing capital projects, by institution, commencement date, approximate value and purpose for all Higher Education Authority-funded, higher education institutions in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27431/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe revised National Development Plan (NDP) provides for Exchequer investment of nearly €2.9 billion in further and higher education infrastructure, research and innovation over the five-year period 2021–2025.
Attached below are details of the projects, the funding for which are channelled through the HEA.
Table 1. Upgrade and Refurbishment Projects
|
HEI |
Project Name |
Stage (On site/Design and Planning/ Procurement) |
DFHERIS Funding |
Commencement Date (On Site) |
|
Atlantic TU – Sligo Campus |
Block K & L Upgrade |
On Site |
€13.7m |
Q3 2019 |
|
DkIT |
North & South Block Project |
Procurement |
€18.47m |
Q3 2022 |
|
TUS -Limerick Campus |
Engineering Campus - Coonagh |
Procurement |
€11.575m |
Q2 2022 |
|
MTU - Cork Campus |
1974 Building Upgrade |
On Site |
€18.75m |
Q1 2023 |
|
NCAD |
Health & Safety Works |
On Site |
€2.22m |
Q2 2021 |
|
NCAD Remedial Works |
Remedial Works |
On Site |
€0.759m |
Q2 2022 |
|
St Angela's H&S |
Water Treatment and Disability Access |
On Site |
€0.400m |
Q2 2022 |
|
TUSE - Carlow Campus |
Medium Voltage Upgrade |
On Site |
€0.440m |
Q2 2022 |
|
TUS -Athlone Campus |
STEM Quadrangle (Auburn 2) |
On Site |
€4m |
Q1 2022 |
|
TUS -Athlone Campus |
East Car Park |
On Site |
€0.800m |
Q1 2022 |
|
MTU-Tralee Campus |
Main Entrance Upgrade |
On Site |
€0.393m |
Q2 2022 |
Table 2. Other HE Capital Projects
|
HEI |
Project Name |
Stage (On site/Design and Planning/ Procurement) |
DFHERIS Funding |
Commencement Date (On Site) |
|
DCU |
Future Tech Building |
Procurement |
€24m |
Q2 2022 |
|
TCD |
E3 Learning Foundry |
On site with Enabling Works |
€15m |
Q3 2021 |
|
TU Dublin Tallaght Campus |
Sports Science, Health & Recreation Building |
On site |
€7.7m |
Q3 2021 |
Table 3. Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund
|
HEI |
Project Name |
Stage (On site/Design and Planning/ Procurement) |
DFHERIS Funding |
Commencement Date (On Site) |
|
Maynooth University |
Technology Society & Innovation Building |
On site |
€25m |
2019 |
|
Atlantic TU – Sligo Campus |
Extension to Central Campus (EO1) Project |
Design and Planning |
€6.6m |
Q3 2021 |
|
UCC |
Cork University Business School (CUBS) Project |
Design and Planning |
€25m |
Q4 2024 |
|
NUIG |
Learning Commons Project |
Design and Planning |
€15m |
Q1 2023 |
|
UCD |
Future Campus Project |
Procurement |
€25m |
Q4 2022 |
Table 4. Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme 2020
|
HEI |
Project Name |
Stage( On site/ Design and Planning/ Procurement) |
DFHERIS/SEAI EEDPP Funding |
Commencement Date (On Site) |
|
TCD |
Moyne Institute – Part Window Replacement, Roof , Installation, LED Lighting and Base Load Heat Pump |
Design and Planning |
€276,000 |
Q1 2023 |
|
NUIG |
Áras De Brún – Energy and Carbon Efficient Upgrade |
Complete |
€306,000 |
Q2 2021 |
|
IADT |
Energy Efficiency Upgrades - Atrium Building |
On site |
€450,000 |
Q2 2022 |
|
UCC |
Decarbonisation of the O’Rahilly Building Heating System as a pathway to B2 Certification |
On site |
€400,000 |
Q1 2021 |
|
MU |
John Paul II Library – solar panels, heat decarbonisation and insulation |
Complete |
€1,000,000 |
Q3 2021 |
|
UCD |
Belfield Campus DHS Heat Pump |
On site |
€1,090,000 |
Q4 2021 |
|
DCU |
Marconi Building Deep Retrofit and BER Upgrade |
On site |
€1,000,000 |
Q1 2022 |
|
Atlantic TU – Letterkenny Campus |
Phase 1 Extension Retrofit |
On site |
€1,351,000 |
Q2 2022 |
535. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the plans to give effect to the borrowing framework contained in the Technological University Act, 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27432/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with Housing for All, my Department concurs that a borrowing framework for technological universities (TUs) should be developed in the first instance for the provision of student accommodation. Enabling appropriate access to finance is one of the significant requirements for the delivery by higher education institutions of purpose built student accommodation. Department officials are engaging with counterparts in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other relevant stakeholders to explore potential options and approaches on the delivery of student accommodation. Under these proposals, TUs would require firstly my consent following consultation with the HEA. This will necessitate the establishment of an appropriate framework setting out the criteria, financial and non-financial, including governance, oversight and reporting to define the operational process through which such consent would be sought and obtained.
536. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to recommence borrowing at South East Technological University formerly Waterford Institute of Technology after having been instructed by the Higher Education Authority to cease borrowing in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27433/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with Housing for All, My Department has agreed a borrowing framework for technological universities (TUs) will be developed in the first instance for the provision of student accommodation.
Enabling appropriate access to finance is one of the significant requirements for the delivery by higher education institutions of purpose built student accommodation. Department officials are engaging with counterparts in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other relevant stakeholders to explore potential options and approaches on the delivery of student accommodation.
TUs would require firstly my consent following consultation with the HEA. This will necessitate the establishment of an appropriate framework setting out the criteria, financial and non-financial, including governance, oversight and reporting to define the operational process through which such consent would be sought and obtained.
537. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of SUSI maintenance grants that were paid to recipients on full-time courses whereby disability allowance was declared by the applicant broken down by post Leaving Certificate, undergraduate and postgraduate courses for the academic years 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and to date in 2021/2022, in tabular form. [27504/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details the Deputy has requested on the number of SUSI maintenance grants that were paid to recipients on full-time courses whereby disability allowance was declared by the applicant broken down by post Leaving Certificate, undergraduate and postgraduate courses for the academic years 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and to date in 2021/2022 are in the attached table.
SUSI Paid Applications where Disability Allowance Payment was declared by the Applicant (Not Parent, etc.), by Graduate Types
|
Graduate Type |
2018-19 |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
2021-22* |
|
PLC |
341 |
351 |
364 |
315 |
|
Under-Graduate |
1,328 |
1,453 |
1,665 |
1,617 |
|
Post-Graduate |
91 |
101 |
147 |
147 |
|
Grand Total |
1,760 |
1,905 |
2,176 |
2,079 |
*Please note that the figures for 2021/22 may rise as some applications are still being processed for the 2021/22 academic year.
538. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the options that are open to a person (details supplied) who would like to update their qualifications in order to make them eligible to provide a service. [27561/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTraining opportunities are provided by the on-site retrofit programmes in Centres of Excellence Laois/Offaly, Waterford/Wexford and Limerick/Clare ETBs. We also intend to open three more in Cork, Mayo-Sligo and I am really pleased to confirm we have reached an agreement to open a new centre of excellence in Dublin too.
In many cases, where a person has an existing construction-related qualification, knowledge or experience, they can learn these skills within three to four days. The majority of this can be done online. The courses are free, fast and flexible. For those without this background, the time required is, anecdotally, ten days. Those in the sector interested in upskilling can find out more details by visiting www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/f205a-the-right-course/
539. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of staff employed in his Department by gender and by civil service salary scale in tabular form. [27598/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requested information is set out in the attached table. Please note that details of current civil service salary scales are available at www.gov.ie/en/circular/ef515-application-of-1st-february-2022-pay-adjustments/
The requested information is set out in the attached table. Please note that details of current civil service salary scales are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/circular/ef515-application-of-1st-february-2022-pay-adjustments/
STAFFING IN THE DEPARTMENT OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION, RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND SCIENCE
|
Grade |
Male |
Female |
Headcount |
Total (FTE) |
Applicable civil service salary point or scale |
|
Secretary General II |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
Non PPC €205,199 |
|
Assistant Secretary General |
3 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
PPC* €145,283 - €166,194 Non PPC** €138,019 - €157,886 |
|
Principal Officer Higher |
1 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
PPC €98,593 - €121,586 Non PPC €93,657 - €115, 510 |
|
Principal Officer Standard |
6 |
11 |
17 |
17 |
PPC €91,609 - €113,313 Non PPC €87,030 - €107, 648 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer Higher |
2 |
7 |
9 |
8.5 |
PPC €77,275 - €96,622 Non PPC €73,408 - €91, 793 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer Standard |
12 |
26 |
38 |
36.8 |
PPC 70,399 - €87,734 Non PPC €68,003 - €83,345 |
|
Higher Executive Officer Higher |
2 |
8 |
10 |
9.2 |
PPC €53,817 - €66,121 Non PPC €51,220 - €62,911 |
|
Higher Executive Officer Standard |
11 |
19 |
30 |
29.4 |
PPC €50,848 - €64,038 Non PPC €48,426 - €60,927 |
|
Administrative Officer Higher |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1.8 |
PPC €47,381 - €66,121 Non PPC €45,131 - €62,911 |
|
Administrative Officer Standard |
8 |
5 |
13 |
13 |
PPC €33,889 - €64,038 Non PPC €32,465 - €60,927 |
|
Executive Officer Higher |
3 |
10 |
13 |
10.26 |
PPC €34,531 - €54,903 Non PPC €33,081 - €52,249 |
|
Executive Officer Standard |
12 |
23 |
35 |
34.77 |
PPC €31,698 - €52,894 Non PPC €30,227 - €50,352 |
|
Clerical Officer Higher |
1 |
9 |
10 |
8.4 |
PPC €540.07 - €811.68 (weekly) Non PPC €521.79 - €773.38 (weekly) |
|
Clerical Officer Standard |
4 |
15 |
19 |
18.1 |
PPC €485.60 - €795.40 (weekly) Non PPC €462.79 - €757.97 (weekly) |
|
Accountant Grade I |
2 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
PPC €74,126 - €92,510 Non PPC €70,466 - €87,886 |
|
Accountant Grade II |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
PPC €64,547 - €78,715 Non PPC €61,411 - €74,776 |
|
Special Advisor |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
PPC €91,609 - €113,313 Non PPC €87,030 - €107, 648 |
|
Civilian Driver |
3 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
PPC €741.26 (weekly) Non PPC €705.71 (weekly) |
|
Engineer |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
PPC €74,126 - €92,510 Non PPC €70,466 - €87,886 |
|
Senior Quantity Surveyor |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
PPC €74,126 - €92,510 Non PPC €70,466 - €87,886 |
|
Senior Architect |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
PPC €68,939 - €92,511 Non PPC €65,575 - €87,886 |
|
Auditor |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0.6 |
PPC €50,848 - €64,038 Non PPC €48,426 - €60,927 |
|
Services Officer |
2 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
PPC €457.11 - €637.26 (weekly) Non PPC €446.69 - €613.27 (weekly) |
|
77 |
143 |
220 |
210.83 |
*PPC (Personal Pension Contribution) Payscale - These rates apply where the appointee is a new entrant to the civil service or an existing civil or public servant appointed on or after 6 April 1995 and is required to make a personal pension contribution.
**Non-PPC (Personal Pension Contribution) Payscale - These rates apply where the appointee is a civil or public servant recruited before 6 April 1995 and who is not required to make a personal pension contribution.
The breakdown provided above reflects the position as at 30/04/2022 and is inclusive of staff seconded into the Department. The salary scale rates provided are as at 01/02/2022. Some staff members are paid on salary scales on a personal to holder basis as a consequence of arrangements relating to historic transfers, transfers of functions etc. In these circumstances the equivalent salary scale relating to their current aligned grade level has been provided.
540. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the percentage of early school leavers in the apprenticeship system broken down by craft and consortia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27861/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the percentage of early school leavers in the apprenticeship system is presently being compiled by Solas. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
541. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the value of the weekly State paid allowance to each craft apprentice in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27862/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the value of the weekly allowance paid to each craft apprentice is presently being compiled by Solas. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
542. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of Springboard places opened in the 2021-2022 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27863/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpringboard+ complements the core State-funded education and training system and provides free and subsidised upskilling and reskilling higher education opportunities in areas of identified skills need. Springboard+ courses are at Level 6 (Certificate) to Level 9 (Masters) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and are delivered by public and private higher education providers around the country.
Now entering its twelfth year, over €330m has been spent on Springboard+ and over 90,000 people have benefited from the programme to date. The Springboard+ programme is managed by the Higher Education Authority, on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Springboard+ 2021 provided 12,743 places on 330 courses, As a result of multi-annual funding of graduate conversion courses, this leads to a combined total of 14,947 places in 408 courses available in the 2021/22 academic year under Springboard+ 2021 and HCI Pillar 1.
Springboard+ 2022 was launched on 25th May 2022, providing 10,697 places on 275 courses. As a result of multi-annual funding of graduate conversion courses, this leads to a combined total of 13,928 places in 392 courses available in the 2022/23 academic year under Springboard+ 2022 and HCI Pillar 1.
Courses available are in areas of identified skills need including but not limited to ICT, sustainable development, construction and design from Level 6 to Level 9 on the NFQ.
We are living in rapidly changing times. The rate of technological advances, the impacts of climate change and global health issues are transforming how we live at an incessant rate. Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative can help equip future generations with the knowledge and skills to navigate the 21st century.
543. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if any craft apprentices had their off-site training moved online completely or in part; if so, the details of same as a percentage of course learning moved online in each apprentice type; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27864/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to apprentices who had their off the job training moved online is presently being compiled by Solas. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
