Written Answers Nos. 164-183
164. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason some teachers in Kerry Education and Training Board on CID are on contracts while others have full contracts and all of them are carrying out the same work, duties and responsibilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31154/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials contacted Kerry ETB who confirmed that Further Education and Training staff contracts are provided on the basis of contractual commitments and staff entitlements in line with employment law. Any variation in contractual hours are correlated directly with contractual commitments based on historical employment records.
If there are specific cases the Deputy wishes to raise, my officials can make further enquiries on receipt of the relevant details.
165. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he intends on implementing the Labour Court recommendation of March 2020 to regularise the contracts of adult education tutors and establish a salary scale given that many AETs are facing into yet another summer of signing on for social welfare; if he will recognise prior service; if he will resolve the outstanding issues relating to contracts of indefinite duration; if he will raise post-2011 entrants' pay to parity with their colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31343/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been a range of industrial relations issues pertaining to adult education tutors that have been under discussion for several years under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills preceding the establishment of my Department.
Notwithstanding progress made on some elements, the claim to align tutors to a pay scale of an existing grade in Education and Training Boards (ETBs), as referred to in the March 2020 Labour Court recommendation, currently remains unresolved. This recommendation was made in March 2020 at the onset of the pandemic and consequently the Department's ability and capacity to develop a full response and engage on the issue was constrained by pressure of work arising from the public health emergency and the establishment of the Department during that period at which time responsibility for the claim transferred.
The Sectoral Bargaining Fund under Building Momentum is to deal with outstanding issues within the terms of the Fund and within the Exchequer funding limit in place. As the Department of Education leads negotiations for the ETB sector, my Department is liaising with it and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter.
Officials from my Department have met with union representatives. It has been agreed that potential resolutions should be examined as quickly as possible. The Department has now established a Working Group to undertake this work and a further meeting will take place on Thursday 30th June. It is the intention to have a proposal at this stage with a view to resolving this issue.
166. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the Erasmus scheme will be expanded to the early years childcare and education sector to allow practitioner mobility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31038/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Erasmus Plus programme is to support, through lifelong learning, the educational, professional and personal development of people in education, training, youth and sport in Europe and beyond, thereby contributing to sustainable growth, quality jobs and social cohesion, to driving innovation and to strengthening European identity and active citizenship.
Centres, both privately and publicly funded, engaging in the provision of pre-school and pre-primary education are eligible to participate in Erasmus+ actions, particularly the organisation of learning mobility activities for their staff. The activities can include:
- Job shadowing (2 to 60 days)
- Courses and Training (2 to 60 days)
- Teaching Assignments (2 to 365 days)
- Invited experts (2 to 60 days) - Invited experts may provide training to the staff, demonstrate new teaching methods or help transfer good practices in organisation and management.
Léargas is the Irish National Agency for Erasmus+, and have responsibility for this action. It has commenced with representative organisations in the Early Years provision to gain a better understanding of this sector. The overall aim of this exchange is to identify and share examples of successful participation of ECEC managers and staff in professional development and peer exchange activities supported by the Erasmus+ programme.
While the date for the conclusion of this work is not finalised, the outcome will enable Léargas to invite Early Years settings to submit expressions of interests to participate in the programme.
167. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship applications that are outstanding; the number of apprenticeship applications in the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31056/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprenticeship is a demand driven, employer-led offering based on a contract of employment between the apprentice and their respective employer. Therefor the number of apprentices in any specific sector is determined directly by employer provision.
In 2021, a record 8,607 new apprentices were registered in the apprenticeship system. This is an increase of over 38% in comparison to 2020. 6,955 registrations were in craft apprenticeships, and largely in the construction sector. There were 1,652 registrations on the newer, post-2016 programmes. At the end of 2021, the overall apprentice population was 24,212.
Regarding the deputy’s question on the number of apprenticeship applications that are outstanding, and specifically in construction, the attached table shows yearly registrations in all craft apprenticeships, including all construction apprenticeships both craft and consortia led, as well as current apprentice waiting lists for off the job training as of May 2022.
It is important to state that this list does not distinguish between those who have been newly added to the list and those who have been waiting for more than one teaching term to be offered a place.
168. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if an application is being considered for persons (details supplied). [31094/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) scheme is a reduced points mechanisms for entry into higher education. The scheme is managed and operated by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) on behalf of the higher education institutions who are autonomous bodies. Admissions under the scheme are regulated by the higher education institutions themselves. Each institution determines its own admissions policy in relation to the schemes, the number of places they reserve and the allocation of those places.
Applications to the schemes are submitted to the Central Applications Office (CAO) who coordinate the scheme for participating institutions. As such, my Department has no role in determining the policy criteria or operation of the scheme and neither I or my colleagues can intervene in individual cases.
I can however, advise the Deputy that there is a review and appeals process in place; to make sure that all DARE applicants are treated fairly and that the assessment procedures have been applied consistently. Any applicant made ineligible for DARE is informed in writing via email and via their CAO portal. They are also informed of the Review and Appeals process and I would encourage the applicant to do so by contacting the CAO, www.cao.ie through the ‘contact us’ facility where the DARE coordinator will respond directly and advise appropriately.
169. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of new European Union undergraduate entrants into Trinity College on a full-time basis since 2006, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31096/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table.
|
Trinity College Dublin Full Time New Entrant Undergraduate Student Numbers |
||||||
|
Academic Years |
Ireland |
Northern Ireland |
Great Britain |
(Other) EU |
Non-EU |
Total |
|
2020/2021 |
2,904 |
61 |
51 |
79 |
378 |
3,473 |
|
2019/2020 |
2,582 |
63 |
51 |
90 |
351 |
3,137 |
|
2018/2019 |
2,617 |
56 |
70 |
102 |
268 |
3,113 |
|
2017/2018 |
2,562 |
115 |
33 |
97 |
220 |
3,027 |
|
2016/2017 |
2,569 |
68 |
55 |
77 |
202 |
2,971 |
|
2015/2016 |
2,544 |
87 |
66 |
60 |
182 |
2,939 |
|
2014/2015 |
2,608 |
48 |
85 |
68 |
181 |
2,990 |
|
2013/2014 |
2,589 |
72 |
72 |
46 |
147 |
2,926 |
|
2012/2013 |
2,521 |
76 |
77 |
46 |
115 |
2,835 |
|
2011/2012 |
2,499 |
61 |
107 |
56 |
159 |
2,882 |
|
2010/2011 |
2,567 |
47 |
95 |
78 |
232 |
3,019 |
|
2009/2010 |
2,767 |
73 |
91 |
72 |
211 |
3,214 |
|
2008/2009 |
2,450 |
73 |
87 |
61 |
193 |
2,864 |
|
2007/2008 |
2,298 |
80 |
82 |
39 |
118 |
2,617 |
|
2006/2007 |
2,339 |
104 |
77 |
24 |
109 |
2,653 |
170. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the budget allocation for the National Apprentice Office for 2022; the total number of employees currently; the anticipated number of employees when the Office is fully set up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant progress is being made in realising the ambition for apprenticeship set out in the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 published in April last year. The further development and mainstreaming of apprenticeship in Ireland through the creation of a single unified apprenticeship system has a key role to play in meeting Ireland's skill needs in a manner which presents a valued proposition for apprentices and employers alike.
Key to the delivery of the ambition set out in the Action Plan is a new organisational architecture, involving the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) and National Apprenticeship Alliance (NAA). The Office will have responsibility for all aspects of the management, oversight and development of the apprenticeship system and for implementing the Action Plan. Under the Action Plan the NAO will exercise on a shared and conjoint basis the relevant legislative and funding functions of SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
The new National Apprenticeship Office will deliver additional practical supports and information for employers and apprentices seeking to engage with apprenticeship. Dr Mary-Liz Trant, who has extensive senior experience in education and training, has been appointed as the first Director of the Office.
The NAO Director is currently providing the leadership required to address the next stage of the NAO’s development, including finalising a work programme for 2022, staffing allocations and the development and implementation of solid governance and financial arrangements, aligned with the Action Plan, in consultation with SOLAS, the HEA, my Department and other key partners. A sum of €1 million has been allocated in Budget 2022 for the first year of the NAO’s operation.
171. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices working across the public sector; what percentage this represents out of the total number of registered apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31098/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra172. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices working across commercial and non-commercial semi-State companies; the percentage this has on the total number of registered apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31099/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra173. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices employed at each semi-State organisations in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31100/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 171, 172 and 173 together.
At the end of last year, the apprentice population was 24,212 and there were approximately 255 apprentices registered with public service employers such as the Civil Service, the Defence forces and Local Authorities.
These apprentices were registered across over 20 different apprenticeship programmes in areas as diverse as cybersecurity, accounting technician, recruitment, heavy vehicle mechanics and stonecutting and stonemasonry. This number grew to 779 apprentices i.e. almost 3% of the apprentice population at that time when commercial and non-commercial semi-state organisations are included. A breakdown of the number of apprentices employed across the public sector at the end of 2021 is attached.
A key commitment of the ‘Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025’ is to grow the number of apprenticeship registrations across the public service, including local authorities, to reach 750 annual registrations by 2025. This represents in excess of a seven-fold increase on 2020 registrations and will support a long-term goal of 7% of the apprentice population being employed by public service employers.
Whilst it is not yet determined where the apprenticeship roles are best located, the diversity of the public service provides a wide basis for involvement with the range of existing apprenticeships and those programmes in development. Apprenticeship provides an opportunity to target and widen the recruitment pool for both generalist and specialist roles within the public service.
My Department’s officials have undertaken a number of actions in order to make progress towards achieving this commitment:
- Several general and sector-focused information sessions on apprenticeship were held late last year.
- A Working Group has been established, representing Government Departments and agencies and local authorities, to develop a Public Service Apprenticeship Recruitment Plan by summer 2022. The Group’s work is based on surveying over 100 organisations in relation to their skills needs.
- There is also engagement with the HSE and Department of Health in relation to a commitment in the Action Plan to explore a healthcare assistant apprenticeship programme for the HSE and the options for how this might be piloted.
The results of the survey of public service organisations have now been analysed and a Public Service Apprenticeship Recruitment Plan, informed by the survey results, is being drafted. It is intended to submit the draft for Cabinet approval before the summer recess.
|
Public Sector Apprentices employed at end of 2021 |
number of apprentices |
|
Civil service |
27 |
|
Local Authoriies |
52 |
|
Defence Forces |
176 |
|
commercial semi-state organisations |
513 |
|
non-commercial semi-state organisations |
11 |
|
TOTAL |
779 |
174. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of opening the Student Access Fund to non-domestic students. [31156/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending higher education. Students can be assisted towards costs such as rent, childcare, transport and costs associated with the provision of books/class materials.
Students who are non-EU, including UK nationals, but who are eligible for free or reduced fees in line with the criteria for the Free Fees Initiative, may be considered for the Student Assistance Fund subject to meeting other relevant criteria.
International/non-EU fee paying students who pay the full international rate of fee are not eligible for funding under the Student Assistance Fund. Higher Education Institutions are advised to ring-fence funding from non-EU fee income to provide for any emergency financial requirements arising for these international students.
However, if international non-EU students were eligible for funding under the Student Assistance Fund, the estimated additional costs would be in the ranges below:
- If 5,000 non-EU students were eligible for the SAF, the cost would be approximately €3.25 million;
- If 10,000 non-EU students were eligible for the SAF, the cost would be approximately €7.5 million;
- If 15,000 non-EU students were eligible for the SAF, the cost would be approximately €10.75 million;
- If 20,000 non-EU students were eligible for the SAF, the cost would be approximately €13 million.
175. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost to the Exchequer of increasing the SUSI fee cover for post-graduate student to cover the full cost of fees for eligible students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31260/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support available to assist postgraduate students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, from September 2021 the postgraduate fee contribution grant increased from €2,000 to €3,500, and the fee grant income threshold increased from €31,500 to €54,240. This income threshold will again increase for the 2022/23 post graduate cohort to €55,240.
Postgraduate students who meet all of the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme are also eligible for a maintenance grant of up to €6,115 and qualifying postgraduate students may also be eligible to have their tuition fees paid up to a maximum fee limit of €6,270.
Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs, including the management of academic affairs. They retain the right to determine their own policies and procedures. The total level of fees payable to the institution in the case of postgraduate student fees are therefore solely a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria.
An estimated cost of the State fully supporting all such fees is therefore not available as the rate of fee for postgraduate studies differs by institution and course.
However, for the 2021/22 academic year, 2559 post graduate students received a tuition grant of €3,500 and if this were to be increased up to the maximum post graduate fee contribution of €6,270, the cost would be approximately €7.1m. This estimate does not include the cost of any new students to the scheme that may apply if the grant amount increased.
176. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has sought a report from the new Student Grant Appeals Board since coming into office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31261/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra177. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if an oversight agreement has been put in place between his Department and the Student Grants Appeals Board in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016; if not, if any exemption has been sought from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31262/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
The Student Grant Appeals Board (the Board) was established under Section 25 of the Student Support Act 2011 and under Section 21(4)(a) is independent in the performance of its functions. Appointments to the Board are in compliance with The Public Appointments Service (PAS) process.
Under Section 25 (4) of the Student Support Act, the Appeals Board shall consist of a Chairperson and such number of ordinary members as shall by determined by the Minister but which in any case shall not exceed 11 persons.
The term of office of the Appeals Board is for 5 years and the current Board commenced in September 2021. The current Board comprises of a Chairperson and 6 ordinary members.
Under Section 27 of the Student Support Act, the Appeals Board shall submit a report of its activities to the Minister at such intervals and in such manner and form as the Minister directs.
It is my intention to seek reports from the new Student Grant Appeals Board during the course of their term. All governance requirements will be considered by the Board in consultation with the Department.
178. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he plans to publish the National Training Fund expenditure report for 2020; if there has been a delay to the usual publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31263/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA combined report for 2020 and 2021 has been prepared and will be published in the coming weeks.
179. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total funding allocated to each higher education institution through the access premium weighting as part of core funding for each year since 2006, in tabular form; and the value as a percentage of the overall core funding to HEIs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31264/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department are liaising with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to confirm the position and the details will be communicated to the Deputy as soon as possible.
180. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total funding allocated to each higher education institution to support research as part of core funding for each year since 2006, in tabular form; and the value as a percentage of the overall core funding to HEIs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31265/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department are liaising with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to confirm the position and the details will be communicated to the Deputy as soon as possible.
181. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will assist or advise the way a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary can obtain their ANCO certificate of apprenticeship qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31269/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSOLAS are the body that has statutory responsibility for the national apprenticeship system. This includes responsibility for those awards issued under its predecessor bodies, FÁS and ANCO.
My Department has no role in issuing or validating individual awards.
However, the Apprenticeship Services section of SOLAS receive a lot of these types of queries and will be happy to assist in providing proof of your constituent having served a recognised apprenticeship.
They can be contacted at Appship@solas.ie
182. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice the actions that her Department is taking in response to the recent increase in homophobic and transphobic attacks in Dublin. [31037/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra183. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the work that her Department has undertaken to address and minimise violence against members of the LGBT+ community and trans persons in particular; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31197/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
I strongly condemn the actions of the small minority who subject others to abuse or attack resulting from their own prejudice. In recent months we have seen vicious crimes take place. These types of attacks cannot, and will not, be tolerated.
We live in a diverse and welcoming country and our laws and values should reflect this. I will shortly, subject to Government approval, publish the Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) Bill which will legislate against hate crime and hate speech and ensure that Ireland is safe, fair and inclusive for all.
The Bill will strengthen the law around hate crime by creating new, aggravated forms of certain existing criminal offences, where those offences are motivated by prejudice against a protected characteristic.
The protected characteristics under the Hate Crime Bill include sexual orientation and gender.
Aggravated offences will generally carry an enhanced penalty and the record of any conviction for such an offence would clearly state that the offence was a hate crime.
Separately, the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit (GNDIU) forms part of the Garda Community Relations Bureau and has a very positive working relationship with minority communities in Ireland.
The Garda Diversity and Integration Strategy is externally focused on An Garda Síochána’s relations with the communities that it serves, delivering on the obligations on An Garda Síochána in relation to human rights and equality under Irish, EU law and international conventions.
Under the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy, An Garda Síochána are working to significantly increase reporting of hate crimes to An Garda Síochána by members of the LGBTI+ community owing to the more open relationship that has been developed.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána has implemented a number of specific operations in Dublin City aimed at addressing anti-social activity. The operations involve increased uniform and plain clothes proactive patrolling of the city, with a particular emphasis on the city centre.
Operation Citizen, established in November 2021, is a co-ordinated approach involving Gardaí from both Dublin Metropolitan Region South Central and North Central with an emphasis on providing high-visibility policing in the city centre to provide reassurance to the public and proactively tackle incidents of anti-social behaviour.
I am further informed that, as part of An Garda Síochána’s ongoing national response to hate crime, the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit (GNDIU) provides assurance to members of the public in relation to reports of hate-based occurrences. This includes daily monitoring of all recorded hate crimes / incidents on PULSE and social media, advising investigating members, supporting investigations and providing assurance to victims and their communities.
A new, non-emergency online hate crime reporting mechanism was launched by An Garda Síochána in July 2021 to improve accessibility to the Garda service for victims of all types of Hate Crime. It is available via the garda.ie website and provides a safe and secure environment for victims, who may previously have been reluctant to report in person to An Garda Síochána.
