Tuesday, 14 Jun 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1207-1224

Child and Family Agency

Ceisteanna (1207)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

1207. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the different procedures in place across different Tusla regions in relation to a number of issues affecting foster carers including issues such as therapy provision and dental care provision; if he will engage with Tusla to ensure standardisation at the higher level of service to foster children and their carers across each region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30769/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

There are approximately 5,860 children in the care of the State, with almost 90% of these children are being cared for by foster carers, enabling them to live in a safe, secure, and stable home environment.

Solutions to the challenges faced by children and foster carers in accessing therapeutic services and other specialist services for children in care, are a key priority for Tusla.

Tusla has advised that they recently engaged with foster carers in a consultation to inform the development of a Strategic Plan for Foster Care 2022 -2025. Through this consultation, foster carers provided Tusla with detailed information in relation to the challenges faced by those within the foster care system in accessing therapeutic services and other specialist services. To that end, and in order to enhance the quality and consistency of care to children, Tusla has advised that they are actively investing in enhancing therapeutic services across the system.

In addition, Tusla’s Strategic Plan for Foster Care will also seek to promote consistency in service provision geographically, including access to therapy provision and dental care provision.

I have been informed that work is currently underway across each of Tusla’s six geographic regions to promote equity of access, consistency of practice, and standardisation. Tusla is currently in the process of recruiting multi-disciplinary therapeutic teams across the country.

It is intended that this will lead to Tusla’s ability to respond to the therapeutic needs of children in care in a more timely manner. In the interim, Tusla has advised that it will continue to ensure that those within the foster care system are supported in accessing the required services, in either the public and/or the private sector.

In discharging its responsibilities, Tusla has stated that it is committed to ensuring that services are applied in an equitable and consistent manner, to ensure that children and young people in foster families receive the best possible level of care and support.

Should the Deputy have any specific information in relation to areas whereby specific foster carers are experiencing variation in practice, Tusla has informed me that it would welcome further information and the opportunity to address these inconsistencies.

Social Welfare Schemes

Ceisteanna (1208)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

1208. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has had or intends to have engagement with the Minister for Social Protection around issues within the social welfare system to support existing foster carers and to encourage additional foster carers, including removing the 20 year cap on homecare provision for foster carers, changes in the State pension (contributory) system to allow for periods spent fostering to count towards same; the initiatives that he is pursuing with the Minister for Social Protection to assist foster carers and to promote foster caring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30770/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I can advise the Deputy that there has been some recent initial engagement between officials of my Department and the Department of Social Protection in relation to supports for foster carers. To date this engagement has been in respect of that Department’s engagement with foster carers following the publication of the Report of the Pensions Commission.

I understand that the issue of removing the cap on the 20 year Homecaring Period, in the context of qualifying for the State Pension (Contributory), was raised by individual carers and groups representing carers in response to the Pensions Commission’s public consultation process. I have been informed that the Pensions Commission’s recommendations relate to long-term carers (in excess of 20 years caring), and do not specifically relate to foster carers.

I note that the Department of Social Protection intends to bring a recommended response to the report and an implementation plan to Government for its consideration in the coming weeks. My officials will engage further with officials of that Department in respect of those aspects of the report relevant to foster carers, as required.

In addition, Tusla has advised that they have recently engaged with foster carers in a consultation to inform the development of a Tusla Strategic Plan on Foster Care. Through this consultation, foster carers highlighted their view that the foster care allowance should be reviewed in light of inflation and increases in social welfare allowances. When the Strategic Plan on Foster Care is finalised by Tusla, it will then be considered by my Department. This consideration will include issues relating to the foster care allowance and any additional supports for foster carers, including within the social welfare system. Further engagement with the Department of Social Protection will take place as required.

Refugee Resettlement Programme

Ceisteanna (1209)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

1209. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if International Protection Accommodation Services have placed Ukrainian refugees in accommodation in Coleman Road/Railway Road, Cavan Town; if so, if this accommodation has been inspected by Cavan County Council; if it is registered and in compliance with the Residential Tenancies Board; the total remuneration being received by the owner of the properties involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30783/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the temporary protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.

Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted, including emergency accommodation. While this is not ideal, the priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.

Numbers seeking international protection have also increased adding to accommodation capacity issues.

To date, more than 34,000 people have arrived in Ireland and just in excess of 25,000 of those have been referred to us seeking accommodation from the State.

I can confirm to the Deputy that one property, a guesthouse, provides accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) at the address supplied on behalf of International Protection Accommodation Services.

As this is commercial accommodation provision rather than a private letting, I am advised that inspection is outside the scope of Cavan County Council’s remit.

I am further advised that registration with the Residential Tenancies Board is not a requirement for this type of accommodation.

The Deputy may wish to note that contracted premises are required to be compliant by law with health and safety regulations and planning requirements and may be subject to inspections by a range of authorities in this regard, including the Environmental Health Office of the HSE and the Health and Safety Authority.

While my Department does not have a set schedule for inspections in place it has sought on occasion for an inspection to be carried out and will continue to seek inspections to be completed in order to address any concerns.

The accommodation provided to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine by this Department is temporary in its nature, and given the number of people that are being accommodated it is not possible to develop tailored solutions for individuals or families. The Deputy may wish to be aware that should any BOTP have concerns over the standard of accommodation provided, they may raise it with the service accommodation provider in the first instance.

Information on amounts payable to accommodation providers are not currently provided by my Department in the interest of addressing matters of commercial sensitivity.

Departmental Meetings

Ceisteanna (1210)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

1210. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the dates of all meetings of the Oireachtas Transport Working Group in 2020, 2021 and 2022; if minutes are published in respect of these meetings; his plans for the publication of same; the date of the next scheduled meeting of the working group; if he will report on the work of the working group, particularly in relation to its role in the review of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30865/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

A Transport Working Group was established in 2020 to drive Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS). It is not however an Oireachtas Working Group.

Action 104 of the NDIS commits that a review will be conducted of existing transport schemes, and a coordinated plan will be developed to enhance the options for transport to work or employment for people with disabilities.

The Transport Working Group has met twice, with the first meeting taking place in March 2020 and the second meeting taking place in January 2022. The work of the group was paused for a time during the pandemic, to prioritise the pandemic response, while the work of the main NDIS Steering Group continued.

I chaired the most recent meeting of the Transport Working Group at the end of January 2022. Draft minutes have been prepared but have not been formally adopted by the Group. Minutes to date have not been published, and I have no plans to do so, having regard to the range of stakeholders present, some of whom are not public servants and attend on a voluntary basis. It would be appropriate that any potential decision regarding publication would first be put to the Group.

Following engagement from my colleague the Minister of Finance Paschal Donohoe T.D. last year, it was decided to use the Transport Working Group to assist with the review of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme. However, legislative and budgetary responsibility for the Scheme continues to lie with the Department of Finance, in the same manner that individual transport measures, supports and schemes remain the responsibility of parent departments and agencies across the Review Group's membership.

The current focus of the Group's work is on scoping the provision of transport supports across government departments and public bodies, with a view to assessing gaps or anomalies in provision. A substantive amount of material has been received by my Department and is being analysed in advance of scheduling a further meeting, which will be organised in the coming weeks.

Child and Family Agency

Ceisteanna (1211)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

1211. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of applications to register a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30987/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply

Ukraine War

Ceisteanna (1212)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

1212. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will clarify the situation in relation to access to the free tuition scheme for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland and whether they will be entitled to apply for grant-aid via the SUSI system. [30949/22]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The Government is steadfast in its condemnation of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

As Minister, I am determined that those fleeing the war will receive comprehensive and compassionate support to allow them to continue their education here and my officials have been working proactively with the higher education sector to facilitate this. I must acknowledge the generosity of those working in the sector, who are assisting my Department to identify and respond to the needs of displaced students and staff.

Qualified persons under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015 are entitled to be treated on the same basis as citizens of the host country. However, I have tasked my officials to develop a further suite of supports, and I hope to bring these initiatives to Government for decision shortly.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (1213)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1213. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding provided to Science Foundation Ireland in 2022.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28841/22]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Science Foundation Ireland funds research in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The budget allocated to Science Foundation Ireland by my Department for 2022 is broken down as follows:

Capital €213.4m

Current € 16.8m

Research and Development

Ceisteanna (1214)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

1214. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost of subscribing the State to associate membership of CERN. [28842/22]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Impact 2030, the national strategy for research and innovation, undertakes to review and optimise Ireland’s membership of international research organisations to ensure that our engagement reflects our existing and emerging strategic priorities.

Under the National Development Plan 2018-2027, as part of Project Ireland 2040, the Government outlined its intention to review Ireland's membership of CERN. This would generate opportunities not only for Irish enterprise but also for its research community. While the benefits of CERN membership are recognised as significant, the cost is also significant and must be assessed in the context of other Departmental and national investment priorities.

Based on indications received from CERN, the cost of Ireland’s full membership at current prices would be circa €14.6m annually. Full membership also entails a ‘special contribution’ fee calculated as 1.25 times the cost of the full membership fee. Based on a cost of €14.6m at 2022 prices this would amount to €18.2m due on the day a state becomes a full member.

To become a full member, a country must go through an obligatory ‘associate membership in the pre-stage to membership’ phase for a minimum of two and maximum of five years. In this case, the initial annual membership fee must be at least 25% of full membership cost, and should increase to 100% by the first year of full membership. This would mean the cost of membership could go from €3.7m initially to €14.6m during the agreed phase of associate membership as a pre-stage to full membership.

Associate membership is also possible indefinitely, with a minimum membership fee of €1.46 million per annum, based on 10% of the full membership cost. Associate membership at a higher percentage of the full membership cost is also possible. In the case of associate membership, the return to Ireland would be capped at the same level as the amount invested.

CERN membership will be considered in the context of the programme for government, national investment priorities and the evolving COVID-19 and economic situation. Ireland continues its consideration of full and associate CERN membership and my Department remains in contact with CERN officials.

Third Level Costs

Ceisteanna (1215)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

1215. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated increase in the number of SUSI recipients in the 2022-2023 academic year due to the planned increase in income thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28899/22]

Freagraí scríofa

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

There are a number of variable factors that affect the number of students that apply and are deemed eligible for a student grant each year so any increase in recipients cannot be attributed to one factor alone such as the €1,000 increase in income thresholds.

SUSI is just a few months into accepting applications for the 22/23 academic year so the final position on any increase in the number of students who receive a grant cannot be determined until September/October when the majority of applications have been received and processed.

School Staff

Ceisteanna (1216)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

1216. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when outstanding claims for incremental credits will be approved by his Department for a person (details supplied) considering that this matter has been ongoing for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28988/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I understand from enquiries made by my officials that the Department of Education completed its review of the incremental credit application for the person concerned and advised Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) of its decision, in late April 2022. LMETB has confirmed that it is currently processing the application of this decision, which involves complex calculations backdated to 1983. The ETB expects to have the matter finalised for the person concerned in the coming weeks.

Third Level Education

Ceisteanna (1217, 1262)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1217. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of medical, dental, nursing and all health and social care training and undergraduate places across all courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29086/22]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1262. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of undergraduate places across medical, dental, nursing, midwifery and all health and social care disciplines that will be available in 2020, 2021 and 2022 intake years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29926/22]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1217 and 1262 together.

The number of undergraduate new entrants and total enrolments in health and welfare courses, by subject area, is available in the table below. This data is from the 2020/21 academic year, the latest available.

ISCED Detailed Field of Study	New Entrants	Total Enrolments
(0913) Nursing and midwifery	1965	8117
(0912) Medicine	1246	7676
(0923) Social work and counselling	993	4412
(0922) Child care and youth services	778	3313
(0915) Therapy and rehabilitation	693	2763
(0910) Health Not Further Defined	485	1869
(0914) Medical diagnostic and treatment technology	331	1432
(0916) Pharmacy	392	1315
(0911) Dental Studies	171	714
Other	10	272

I requested that my officials engage with the higher education sector on the creation of additional places in key areas as identified by our skills architecture. These engagements are at an advanced stage, and we hope to create places in areas of acute skills including healthcare. However it is important to create these places in a sustainable way, cognisant of the expanded facilities, lecturing expertise and clinical and other placements needed, and to do so in areas that open up continuing career opportunities for learners.

Third Level Education

Ceisteanna (1218, 1228, 1236, 1237, 1238)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

1218. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of a 10% increase in all medical or health related undergraduate courses for Irish/European Union students in tabular form; the number of places that this would create; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29087/22]

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

1228. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing undergraduate medicine places by 10% based on the full economic costing; the number of places that this would create for medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29304/22]

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

1236. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing undergraduate medical science paramedicine places by 10%, based on the full economic costing; the number of places that this would create; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29316/22]

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

1237. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing undergraduate medical science clinical nutrition places by 10%, based on the full economic costing; the number of places that this would create; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29317/22]

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

1238. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing undergraduate medical science social workplaces by 10%, based on the full economic costing; the number of places that this would create; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29318/22]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1218, 1228 and 1236 to 1238, inclusive, together.

The costs incurred by a Higher Education Institution in increasing student places on a particular course can vary depending on a variety factors including the type of course and the individual circumstances of the relevant Higher Education Institution. It is therefore not possible to definitively calculate the costs sought.

Full Economic Costing (FEC) data is produced by the university sector. It is an activity based costing model that aims to capture the full economic costs of teaching, research and other activities. It is important to note that Full Economic Costing (FEC) considers cost per FTE student per Subject Price Group within current levels of delivery. While the data provided can be useful indication of potential costs for providers it should not be considered as the definitive costs that would be associated with any increased provision.

Notwithstanding the above, to provide an indication of the potential costs associated with increased places the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has provided the below estimates based on current funding levels:

- Based on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students), the estimated cost of a 10% increase in full-time undergraduate medical science social work students is c.€340,000 - €360,000. This includes all full-time Level 8 Honours Degree programmes where Social Work (or equivalent) is included in the title of the programmes. A 10% increase in enrolments would create c.34 additional social work student places.

- Based on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students), the estimated cost of a 10% increase in full-time undergraduate medical science clinical nutrition is c.€1,300,000 - €1,360,000. This includes all full-time degree programmes where nutrition and dietetics are included in the title of the programmes. A 10% increase in enrolments would create c.128 additional nutrition and dietetic student places.

- Based on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students), the estimated cost of a 10% increase in full-time undergraduate medical science paramedicine is c.€280,000 - €300,000. This includes all full-time undergraduate programmes where paramedic is included in the title of the programmes. A 10% increase in enrolments would create c.36 additional student places

- Based on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students) and including graduate entry, the estimated cost of a 10% increase in medical students is c.€9,700,000 - €10,400,000. A 10% increase would create c.347 additional undergraduate medicine student places

- Based on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students), the estimated cost of a 10% increase in all medical or health related undergraduate courses is c.€28,000,000 - €33,700,000. This includes all full-time undergraduate enrolments for all Health and Welfare programmes. A 10% increase in enrolments would create an additional c.2,800 undergraduate student places.

Please note the above estimates excludes any additional costings which may be met by other agencies or departments.

Further and Higher Education

Ceisteanna (1219)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

1219. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress that has been made on the implementation of the SOLAS recommendations in the report SOLAS Response to the Findings of the Evaluation of the National Outreach Programme published in May 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29123/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

SOLAS published its response to the findings of the ESRI’s Evaluation of the National Youthreach Programmes in 2019. That evaluation found that the Youthreach programmes had significant value in re-engaging a vulnerable group of young people with learning, providing courses and approaches tailored to their needs and embedding education and training provision within a broader network of supports. It made a number of suggestions to enhance the provision of Youthreach programmes.

In its response SOLAS noted that the evaluations’ findings to improve the Youthreach programmes while acknowledging the questions raised that needed to be considered in the wider context of the reform of Further Education and Training (FET) and the evolving strategy. Future FET:Transforming Learning, the FET Strategy 2020-24 was subsequently published in 2020.

The majority of the recommendations in the SOLAS response, continue to be implemented through the national FET Strategy 2020–24 under the Creating Pathways and Inclusion workstreams. Other specific recommendations, directly relating to the Youthreach Evaluation are being implemented by SOLAS, as part of the Strategic Performance Agreement process in conjunction with individual Education and Training Boards.

Further and Higher Education

Ceisteanna (1220)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

1220. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide updated projections for the future revenue of the National Training Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29129/22]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The National Training Fund (NTF) Act 2000 provides for a levy on employers to be used to fund the development of and raising of skills amongst those in, or seeking, employment.

The NTF levy is collected by the Revenue Commissioners as part of the PRSI collection system. The funds collected are included in the transfer of gross PRSI from the Revenue Commissioners to the Social Insurance Fund of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP). Each year DEASP undertakes an apportionment exercise to analyse PRSI collection data and to apportion funds to the Social Insurance Fund; the Health Levy and the National Training Fund

Following a consultation process, the Government, as part of Budget 2018, decided to raise the rate of the NTF levy by 0.1% in 2018 to 0.8% and by a further 0.1% in both 2019 and 2020.

The following table shows the forecast of future revenue from PRSI as calculated by the Department of Social Protection in October 2021.

2022 Revised Estimate€’000	2023 Projection€’000	2024 Projection€’000	2025 Projection€’000
€851,240	€899,160	€950,760	€1,005,010

The National Training Fund also receives income from the European Social Fund (ESF) in respect of ESF co-financed activities that have been pre-financed from the NTF. The level of ESF receipts to the NTF in any year depends on the amounts certified to, and reimbursed by the Commission in that year in respect of NTF funded activities. As set out in the Revised Estimates Volume, ESF receipts are forecasted to be circa €2.5m for 2022.

Further and Higher Education

Ceisteanna (1221)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

1221. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average cost of a consortia-led apprentice per year including the employer incentivisation scheme; if the consortia-led scheme is funded from the National Training Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29130/22]

Freagraí scríofa

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

There is a very substantial allocation of resources to apprenticeships drawing on the funding raised through the Employer Training Levy into the National Training Fund. Therefore, apprenticeships are not a direct cost to the exchequer.

In 2019, the last pre-Covid full year, registrations were at 6,177. 2020 saw 5,326 registrations, and by 2021 there were a record 8,607 registrations. The associated expenditure for those years was €160m in 2019, €184m in 2020, and €198m in 2021. The 2022 budget allocation for apprenticeship is €206m.

Regarding the employer incentivisation scheme the most recent figures available on costs are from the start of April. The total number of employer applications validated up to 4th April 2022 was 5859, covering a total of 8762 apprentices representing a potential value of €17.524m.

Calculating a cost-per-apprentice is a complex matter involving fixed costs, such as programme development costs, and variable costs per participating apprentice. The nature of specific apprenticeships is also an influencing factor. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform published a Spending Review of Apprenticeships in 2019. This estimated the average annual cost per apprentice in craft apprenticeships at €7,159 and €9,877 for consortia-led programmes.

[igees.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Review-of-Participation-and-Costs-of-Apprenticeships.pdf]

The scheduling of the next update to this review is a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Further and Higher Education

Ceisteanna (1222)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

1222. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the €430 million announced in capital investment in further education and training and higher education will be additional to the current capital investment ceilings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29185/22]

Freagraí scríofa

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

In February of this year, I was pleased to announce the parameters of an ambitious new phase of capital investment in the further and higher education sectors.

The four new programmes with a combined funding envelope of €430 million to 2025 will be funded within the overall capital ceilings for my Department as set out in the revised National Development Plan.

Interest Rates

Ceisteanna (1223, 1224)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

1223. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount of interest that his Department has been charged by financial institutions since negative interest rates were introduced by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29205/22]

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

1224. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the State agencies, organisations or boards under the responsibility of his Department or that receive funding from his Department that have been charged negative interest by financial institutions since negative interest rates were introduced; the amount of interest that has been charged to each State agency, organisation or board in 2021 in each of the preceding years in which such charges were applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29223/22]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1223 and 1224 together.

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science - Vote 45 - has not incurred negative interest since its formation in 2020. The negative interest outlined in the table below relates to the National Training Fund which was transferred to my Department from the Department of Education in October 2020 as part of the transfer of functions.

Year	NTF
2014	€3,181.32
2015	€223,140.43
2016	€232,531.28
2017	€104,248.00
2018	€15,504.00
2019	€11,961.55
2020	€11,990.58
2021	€19,754.48
2022	€8,413.62

Please note the following:

- 2021 figures are currently being audited by the C&AG.

- 2022 figure reflects year to date position.

The information in respect of state bodies, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held centrally by my Department.

Question No. 1224 answered with Question No. 1223.