Written Answers Nos. 1261-1279
1263. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will meet with representatives from a union (details supplied) to discuss their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29962/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo meeting with the organisation in question is currently planned. My Department has had frequent engagement with this Union since its formation in 2020. This Union has recently sent my Department a range of correspondence on matters pertaining students in the English Language Education (ELE) sector. My Department is currently in the process of reviewing this material and will be providing a response to the Union once this process is concluded.
1265. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will increase SUSI income thresholds in recognition of the significant increases in the cost of living faced by many families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30372/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the impact the cost of living has on students and the challenges students are facing. As part of Budget 2022, I secured an additional €15m to enhance the existing financial supports under the Student Grant Scheme for implementation in 2022.
In this regard, I have already prioritised improvements to the income thresholds and student grant rates for the 2022/23 academic year, as follows:
- 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 officially launched the report of the review of the Student Grant Scheme on May 4th 2022 and am committed to implementing the recommendations in a phased way. As I look towards the next budgetary cycle, I will be examining all the levers I have to address the issue of education costs in a way that has impact for students and families and that applies broadly across society. This summer in advance of the Estimates process, I intend to publish a paper outlining potential options and impacts, to be considered in the Budgetary process, related to the Student Grant scheme and other programmes related to student supports and costs of higher education, including with respect to those priorities identified in the Student Grant Scheme Review.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this relief is available from a student’s local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
1266. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will examine a query relating to a springboard course (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30405/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Springboard+ initiative is managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.Each applicant applying for a Springboard+ or Human Capital Initiative Pillar 1 courses must provide supporting documents to prove they meet the programmes eligibility criteria, including nationality. There are several documents that can be used as supporting documentation including a passport. A driver’s licence can be used if it gives the place of birth as Ireland or the EU, UK, Switzerland, EEA countries. Other documents like an Irish Birth Certificate can be used if it is accompanied by photo identification. The Springboard+ website has a list of supporting documentation that may be used, please see the attached document or the following link:
springboardcourses.ie/pdfs/ListAcceptableDocumentation.pdf.
I have asked that the HEA contact Dublin Business School (DBS) to clear up this matter and ask them to inform the applicant of the other types of documents that may be used as supporting documentation in place of a passport.
1267. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that he is taking to ensure that there are sufficient places in third-level education given points inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30445/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the pressure felt by students applying to enter higher education and I am taking action to relieve these pressures.
While Leaving Certificate grades don’t impact the number of higher education places in and of themselves, high grades drive up CAO points requirements and I know that this can make students feel under pressure.
This year’s CAO applications are slightly lower than last year’s, although they remain high overall. In order to ensure that these applicants are given every opportunity to follow an educational path that works for them I am seeking both to create additional college places in areas of identified skills need, and to broaden the national conversation on third level options.
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 need such as healthcare, construction and green skills.
However increasing places is only one part of the answer. In tandem with this, it is vital that all learners have access to the right courses for them, across the spectrum of provision.
There is additional capacity being created in apprenticeships, with new programmes starting each year. 2021 saw our highest number of new apprenticeship registrations yet. There are also a wide range of other excellent further education and training options available to learners.
Information on the options available in further education, higher education and apprenticeship are all available on the CAO website at cao.ie/options, and I encourage anyone who is looking to take the next step in their educational journey to have a look and consider all the possibilities open to them.
1268. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that he is taking to ensure that students are safe and protected from assault in third-level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30446/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question on this important matter. Our higher education institutions have a duty of care to their students and staff, and a responsibility to foster a campus culture that is clear in the condemnation of unwanted and unacceptable behaviours, which act as barriers to their safety and their active participation in college life.
Significant progress has been made regarding the Framework for Consent in Higher Education, since it was first launched in 2019. The Framework aims to ensure the creation of an institutional campus culture which is safe, respectful and supportive. As part of monitoring requirements moving forward, the HEA requires that institutions, in respect of both staff and students, report progress annually on implementation of the Framework for Consent.
My Department has provided support for a number of consent awareness raising and training initiatives in the HEIs, including the:
- NUIG Active Consent Programme
- UCC Bystander Training
- Speak Out report and support online platform
- The ESHTE Toolkit and It Stops Now Campaign led by the NWC in conjunction with USI.
My Department is also partnering with the Department of Justice and the NUIG Active Consent programme to support the development of an online hub that will provide, for the first time, an integrated, publicly available resource on sexual consent awareness and learning, which will be an important resource for our further and higher education institutions and the wider community.
My Department has also provided a number of actions for inclusion in the Third Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Strategy which my colleague Minister McEntee will be publishing shortly.
The creation of an institutional campus culture in each of our higher education institutions which is safe, respectful and supportive, is a key priority for me. I will continue to lead the way on institutional change, championing the changes required to achieve a cultural norm where bullying and sexual harassment are not tolerated.
1269. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that he is taking to ensure that third-level students have access to adequate mental health supports in their-third level institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30447/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the past two years, an additional €6 million has been provided to higher education institutions to support student mental health and wellbeing.
HEIs were requested to allocate these additional funds towards student-facing services such as:
- Recruitment of additional Student Counsellors;
- Recruitment of additional Assistant Psychologists;
- Head of service posts for those HEIs employing more than 2 FTEs;
- Training of HEI staff to enable them to support and refer students to appropriate services;
- Raising awareness among students of mental health and wellbeing services available, including through student outreach activities;
- Implementation of the National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework;
- Implementation of the Framework for Consent in HEIs; Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive: Ending Sexual Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions.
HEIs were advised that the funding allocations were additional and intended to enhance rather than displace existing provision of student supports in the areas of mental health and wellbeing. HEIs were also advised to make provision for the sustainability of any supports funded under this allocation.
The HEA has advised my department that the impacts of the funding has led to:
- increased capacity for students to avail of mental health services, especially in the provision of one-to-one sessions, and also, access to psychologists and in some institutions, to psychiatrists;
- additional and significant provisions offered, including webinars, group sessions, online forums and the development of regular newsletters and e-zines, as well as increased social media presence;
- innovative outreach events and workshops in the areas of consent, suicide prevention and addictive behaviours;
- HEIs developing systems and structures for improving services and other activities. For example, in larger institutions, case management and triaging processes have been implemented;
- HEI staff being able to avail of training sessions on mental health, thereby, raising the profile internally within HEIs of what services and supports are available for students.
A number of National Projects have also been implemented with funding provided for Mental Health and Wellbeing. These have produced dedicated tools, focused research and professional collaboration, which will support staff, augment policy-making and the effective targeting of resources across the sector to achieve the high standards set by the respective student well-being, consent and suicide prevention frameworks.
One such project is the 'Speak Out reporting tool' which was created as part of the implementation of the Framework for Consent, which I launched on 19 October 2021. The tool allows HEIs to understand staff and student experiences of sexual harassment and violence and assists institutions, the HEA and my department in making evidence-based policy decisions in this area. Most importantly, it raises awareness of the supports available to students and staff and encourages them to seek help if they need it.
In late 2020, I launched the National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework. This Framework is Ireland’s first ever national approach to address student mental health and suicide prevention. It recognises the many challenges students face, and sets out ways in which institutions can support them and respond through working proactively. The Framework provides clear guidance to higher education institutions regarding implementation of good practices in responding to student mental health difficulties.
1270. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of Ukrainian refugees who have enrolled in third-level education institutions across Ireland, by institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30448/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
The outbreak of the war occurred well into the second semester, and therefore, enrolling in programmes at that point of the year would not have been very productive. Work is underway to determine demand arising from the displacement of Ukrainian students, as well as the type of provision required. It is also important to note that many of the Ukrainian HEIs have moved their resources online, which has enabled students to maintain their links with their home universities.
The establishment of the National Student and Researcher (NSR) Helpdesk is central to determining the demand which will arise. It is currently gathering data on enquiries made to all HEIs in Ireland, as well as those made directly the Helpdesk itself. This will allow my Department to get a picture of the level of demand for places.
1271. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that his Department is taking to ensure that students in Northern Ireland retain their access to the Erasmus programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30449/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, officials of my Department have been engaged with higher education institutions in Northern Ireland to facilitate continue access participation in the Erasmus+ programme on the basis of their temporary registration at Irish higher education institutions.
It was planned to put the scheme in place from September 2022, but my Department was advised by the Northern Ireland Universities that their participation in the Erasmus programme was further extended to May 2023, arising from the impact of the Covid -19 pandemic.
Planning work involving institutions, North and South, will once again commence later this year with a view to its introduction in September 2023.
1272. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide the most recent data that his Department has on the breakdown between purpose-built student accommodation delivered in the private market and on campus since 2014, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30623/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data below captures all of the completions of accommodation bed-spaces since the publication of the Rebuilding Ireland policy in 2016, as the Department does not possess data for completions dating from 2014.
|
Year Due for Completion |
Public |
Private |
Grand Total |
|
2016 |
650 |
500 |
1,150 |
|
2017 |
1,513 |
1,513 |
|
|
2018 |
429 |
2,096 |
2,525 |
|
2019 |
250 |
2,961 |
3,211 |
|
2020 |
970 |
2,234 |
3,204 |
|
2021 |
542 |
542 |
|
|
Grand Total |
2,299 |
9,850 |
12,149 |
The Department is engaging with Higher Education Institutions on these matters. It is aware a further 929 bedspaces are in development and discussions are ongoing about additional capacity in September.
1273. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 25 May 2022, the average cost of the 970 beds added; the total amount allocated for non-European Union international students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30624/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe student accommodation beds referred to were developed by UCD. The Department does not hold costing information on them. Queries in this vein should be addressed to the institutions in question.
1274. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide the number of personal assistants employed in the further education and training system; the number of full-time equivalent personal assistants, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30625/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1275. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of personal assistants employed in the further education and training system; if he will provide a breakdown of the number of full-time equivalent personal assistants employed by ETB, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30626/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1276. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the justification for the working conditions of personal assistants in the further education and training system including no pay scale, pension and being forced to sign on in the summer; if he will consider providing personal assistants with similar employment terms provided to SNAs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30627/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1277. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost to the Exchequer of providing personal assistants in the further education and training system with the same employment conditions as SNAs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30628/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1274, 1275, 1276 and 1277 together.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) provides funding to higher and further education institutions for the delivery of key services and supports for students with disabilities. It aims to support the personal, educational and professional development of the participating students. While historically administered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), responsibility for the Fund in the further education and training sector transferred to SOLAS during 2020. SOLAS provides FSD funding to the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) who independently manage the funding allocations to PLC further education providers for services and accommodations required to support students with disabilities. Funding can be used to provide a range of supports and accommodations including non-medical helpers such as personal assistants and notetakers.
Need assessments determine the supports and accommodations requested for students and the individual ETB/ further education college is responsible for decisions on the most appropriate support to meet the needs of the student, in accordance with the guidelines issued by SOLAS.
As noted in the SOLAS Guidelines, where an ETB or further education college employs personnel to deliver supports to individual students, responsibility for the terms of employment rests with the individual ETB / further education college.
The detail sought on the number of personal assistants employed by ETBs under the Fund for Students with Disabilities is being requested from the ETBs and will be forwarded to the Deputy when received.
1278. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of full-time PhD students in each higher education institution; the estimated number in 2022-2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30632/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of full time PhD students by higher education institutions for the last three academic years for which there is data available is attached. The most recent year available is data for the 2020/2021 academic year. While my Department produces projections of overall full-time enrolments in higher education, it does not produce projections for the number of PhD students.
1279. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total cost of PhD stipends to higher education institutions; the average value of a PhD stipend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30633/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraImpact 2030, Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy prioritises the nurturing and development of talent and excellence to build on Ireland’s reputation as an Island of Talent and a location for research excellence and impact. We recognise that the quality of our researchers is fundamental to the quality of our research system and its collaboration with partners in industry and policymakers, both in Ireland and abroad. The strategy also highlights the need to foster an environment within the research and innovation community that supports our ambition to be an Island of Inclusion and Engagement.
A stipend is a well-established feature of funded postgraduate awards globally, providing an income to the awardee in recognition of the need to devote themselves on a full-time basis to their research. My Department’s agency, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) does not currently collect data on the costs of PhD stipends to higher education institutions.
With regard to the total cost of stipends to higher education institutions and their average value, there are many ways in which PhD education is financed. By way of illustration, the most recent Higher Education Expenditure on Research and Development (HERD) Survey 2018/19 carried out by my Department, found that there were 10,044 research students (doctoral and masters by research) in 2018, of which 3,901 (39%) were fully self-funded. The majority of PhD students are in receipt of grants from their individual institutions and other research funders such as the Irish Research Council (IRC), Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).
Our priority under Impact 2030 is to ensure a consistent research student experience, regardless of funding source. This reflects the National Framework for Doctoral Education which is being advanced by the associated National Advisory Forum which is co-chaired by two of my agencies: the Higher Education Authority and Quality and Qualifications Ireland.
My Department monitors the issue of stipends, in the context of the resources available to the competitive research funding agencies under the aegis of my Department and the competing needs to which they can be allocated. In that regard, I was pleased to be able to allocate additional funding to the IRC in 2021 to enable it to increase postgraduate scholarships by €2,500 per annum, or 16%, from €16,000 to €18,500. This was made effective from 1 January 2021 and, together with an increase to funding for postdoctoral salaries, benefited close to 1,300 early-career researchers in the system. The move also aligned the stipend level for both competitive funding agencies within my Department, i.e. the IRC and SFI.
Under the Student Grant Scheme 2021, a student in receipt of a postgraduate research award where the stipend portion of the award does not exceed €18,500 may apply to the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) for financial assistance under the Student Grant Scheme 2021.
Other research funders in the national system include the Health Research Board and Teagasc. There are also typically a number of PhDs funded through European Programmes and individual HEI schemes. My Department allocates recurrent funding to the HEA for direct disbursement to HEA designated higher education institutions. The HEA allocates this funding as a block grant to the institutions and as autonomous bodies, the internal disbursement of this funding is a matter for the individual institution.
Research students in receipt of grants must comply with the terms of their funding award from these bodies, which can vary from funder to funder.
