Written Answers Nos. 473-492
473. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if Ukrainian refugees may access the free fees initiative and SUSI grants should they wish to study at third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35267/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased that, on 23 June, the Government agreed a range of measures I proposed to facilitate their attendance in Irish universities and colleges.
In this context, and with the need to respond quickly, I have secured agreement for the following schemes;
- A new temporary administrative Tuition Fee Scheme for those granted permission for protection under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015 and for Irish citizens who had been enrolled in Ukrainian Higher Education Institutions in the 2021/2022 academic year and have now returned to Ireland due to the conflict, to access publicly funded Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
- A one year administrative bursary scheme for qualified persons who attend SOLAS approved Post Leaving Certificate courses.
- Extension of eligibility for Qualified Persons to access the Springboard+ programme.
- Change the eligibility criteria for the Student Assistance Fund for the 2022/2023 academic year to include those who qualify for the new temporary administrative Tuition Fee Scheme.
It is also my intention to use the Erasmus Grant to fund financial supports for Qualified Persons who undertake full-time studies in HEIs and displaced staff, in accordance with statements from the EU Commission.
Throughout my engagement with the Ukrainian community, in addition to expressing their profound gratitude to Ireland, they have emphasised that their primary goal is to return to their homeland. In this regard, consideration is also being given to alternative forms of provision which could facilitate continued remote engagement with Ukrainian institutions. This may involve access to libraries and ICT facilities and other supports identified as the situation evolves. However, I can assure you that we will continue to address the educational needs of those displaced persons who have come to Ireland.
474. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the number of undergraduate new entrants in nursing and midwifery by 10%; the number of additional new entrants that a 10% increase would achieve; the total number of new entrants following a 10% increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35403/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate new entry enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students), the estimated cost of a 10% increase in Nursing and Midwifery students is c.€1,954,000 - €2,052,000.
This excludes other additional costings which may arise or may be met by other agencies and departments.
An additional 10% increase would achieve 197 more entrants. The total number of new entrants following a 10% increase would be 2,162.
475. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the number of undergraduate new entrants in medicine by 10%; the number of additional new entrants a 10% increase would achieve; the total number of new entrants following a 10% increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35404/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate new entry enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students) and excluding graduate entry, the estimated cost of a 10% increase in Medical students is c.€3,489,000 - €3,663,000.
This excludes other additional costings which may arise or may be met by other agencies and departments.
An additional 10% increase would achieve 125 more entrants. The total number of new entrants following a 10% increase would be 1,371. This figure includes all EU and non-EU places.
476. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the number of undergraduate new entrants in social work and counselling by 10%, broken down by the number of additional new entrants a 10% increase would achieve and the total number of new entrants following a 10% increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35405/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following information requested by the Deputy has been provided by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
Social Work:
Based on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate new entry enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students) and excluding graduate entry, the estimated cost of a 10% increase in social work students is c.€955,000 - €1,002,000 This includes all full-time Level 8 Honours Degree programmes where Social Work (or equivalent) is included in the title of the programmes.
This excludes other additional costings which may arise or may be met by other agencies and departments.
An additional 10% increase would achieve 96 more entrants. The total number of new entrants following a 10% increase would be 1,056
Counselling:
Based on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate new entry enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students) and excluding graduate entry, the estimated cost of a 10% increase in Counselling students is c.€26,000 - €27,500
This includes all full-time Level 8 Honours Degree programmes where Counselling/Addiction (or equivalent) is included in the title of the programmes.
This excludes other additional costings which may arise or may be met by other agencies and departments.
An additional 10% increase would achieve 3 more entrants. The total number of new entrants following a 10% increase would be 36.
477. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the number of undergraduate new entrants in child care and youth services by 10%, broken down by the number of additional new entrants a 10% increase would achieve and the total number of new entrants following a 10% increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35406/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate new entry enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students) and excluding graduate entry, the estimated cost of a 10% increase in Childcare and Youth Services students is c.€618,000 - €649,000.
This excludes other additional costings which may arise or may be met by other agencies and departments.
An additional 10% increase would achieve 78 more entrants. The total number of new entrants following a 10% increase would be 856.
478. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the number of undergraduate new entrants in therapy and rehabilitation by 10%, broken down by the number of additional new entrants a 10% increase would achieve and the total number of new entrants following a 10% increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35407/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate new entry enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students) and excluding graduate entry, the estimated cost of a 10% increase in Therapy and Rehabilitation students is c.€702,000 - €737,000.
This excludes other additional costings which may arise or may be met by other agencies and departments
An additional 10% increase would achieve 69 more entrants. The total number of new entrants following a 10% increase would be 762.
479. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the number of undergraduate new entrants in medical diagnostic and treatment technology by 10%, and broken down by the number of additional new entrants a 10% increase would achieve and the total number of new entrants following a 10% increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35408/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate new entry enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students) and excluding graduate entry, the estimated cost of a 10% increase in Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Technology students is c.€335,000 - €352,000.
This excludes other additional costings which may arise or may be met by other agencies and departments
An additional 10% increase would achieve 33 more entrants. The total number of new entrants following a 10% increase would be 364.
480. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the number of undergraduate new entrants in pharmacy by 10%, broken down by the number of additional new entrants a 10% increase would achieve and the total number of new entrants following a 10% increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35409/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate new entry enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students), the estimated cost of a 10% increase in full-time undergraduate Pharmacy students is c.€392,000 - €412,000.
This excludes other additional costings which may arise or may be met by other agencies and departments.
An additional 10% increase would achieve 39 more entrants. The total number of new entrants following a 10% increase would be 431.
481. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the number of undergraduate new entrants in dental studies by 10%, broken down by the number of additional new entrants a 10% increase would achieve and the total number of new entrants following a 10% increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35410/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on 2020/21 full-time undergraduate new entry enrolments (excluding Non-EU fee paying students), the estimated cost of a 10% increase in full-time undergraduate dentistry students is c.€513,000 - €539,000.
This excludes other additional costings which may arise or may be met by other agencies and departments.
An additional 10% increase would achieve 17 more entrants. The total number of new entrants following a 10% increase would be 188.
482. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the requirements to be met by Ukrainian nationals in order to qualify to access third level and-or further education courses in Ireland; if those in such circumstances are eligible to apply for SUSI grant support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35412/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the European Council decision of 4 March, the Irish Government has decided to offer displaced Ukrainian citizens protection under the International Protection Act 2015. Section 60 of the Act, gives 'qualified persons' access to the labour market, healthcare, social welfare and education on the same basis as Irish citizens including fees and supports.
The European Commission has indicated to Member States to be flexible in the use the national Erasmus grant, which can be used to support those displaced persons wishing to continue their full-time education here, and officials of my Department are now working with the HEA, in its role as the National Agency for Erasmus for higher education, to put these supports in place.
On the issue of qualifying requirements to access third level courses - as autonomous bodies, the final decision on admissions rests with the higher education institutions themselves.
483. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason for the anomaly between his Department and the Department for Social Protection in relation to the assessment of grants for the back to education scheme as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35455/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine. For the 2022/23 academic year, student grant applications will be assessed based on gross income from all sources for the period 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021.
Particular priority is afforded to those on the lowest incomes and social welfare dependents through the special rate of grant, which is payable at the higher non-adjacent rate of €6,115 or the adjacent rate of €2,575, depending on the distance travelled to the college attended.
In assessing an application for the 2022/23 academic year, SUSI will have regard to the following qualifying criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant:
1. The student must qualify for the standard rate of grant;
2. Total reckonable income, after income disregards and Child Dependent Increase(s) are excluded, must not exceed €24,500;
3. As at 31st December 2021, the reckonable income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments prescribed in Schedule 2 of the Student Grant Scheme 2022.
The student to whom the Deputy refers has been awarded the full Band 1 non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant, together with 100% rate of Student Contribution/Tuition Fees whichever applies by SUSI on 31st May 2022. As the student was not in receipt of an eligible special rate payment on 31st December 2021 she could not be awarded the special rate of grant. The student is currently proceeding through the appeals process in SUSI.
Any student who believes his/her student grant application has been assessed incorrectly may also avail of the opportunities to appeal to SUSI and subsequently to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the prescribed timeline.
Students in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) are not eligible for maintenance support under the student grant scheme, as this would result in a duplication of income support payments. However, students in receipt of BTEA, may be considered for SUSI fee supports up to a maximum of €6,270.
484. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that early school leaver applicants to community training centres must be in receipt of a welfare payment whereas similar applicants to YouthReach programmes do not have the same requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35506/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra485. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to standardise the access and eligibility criteria across ETB YouthReach and Community Training centre YouthReach programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35507/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 484 and 485 together.
The Youthreach programme aims to provide early school leavers with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to participate fully in society and progress to further education, training and employment. The programme is delivered in two settings, Youthreach centres and Community Training Centres (CTCs). The ESRI’s Evaluation of the National Youthreach Programmes in 2019 found that the Youthreach programmes had significant value in re-engaging a vulnerable group of young people with learning, providing courses and a multiplicity of approaches tailored to their individual needs and embedding education and training provision within a broader network of supports.
The operation of the Youthreach programme in both settings is subject to Operator Guidelines in the case of Youthreach centres dating from 2015 and to Operating Standards for the CTCs dating from 2013.
The primary target group for Youthreach Centres is young people between 16 and 20 years of age. Those aged 15 years of age may, as an exceptional measure, be admitted to the Youthreach centres where they have left school with no possibility of return. This age group are not admissible to CTCs, who were set up by local community organisations to cater primarily for early school leavers between 16 and 21 years. Youthreach participants aged 16 and 17 in either setting receive an age-related training allowance, currently €45 per week. Learners over 18 years of age entering CTCs must undergo a Department of Social Protection (DSP) means test before they can qualify and receive their training allowance. However, learners in Youthreach centres are paid the training allowance once they are not in receipt of a DSP payment. When a learner starts on a Youthreach programme, The DSP are immediately informed to ensure no double payment takes place. This difference is historical in nature.
In its response to the ESRI Evaluation, SOLAS made a series of recommendations which included that ETBs should work together to develop and adopt a uniform approach to programme referral and entry into Youthreach based on existing good practice. SOLAS also proposed that the role of Youthreach programme guidelines be reviewed, given the central role of ETB planning and funding parameters in setting requirements from FET provision, and a cross-FET guidebook on programme practice should be developed to ensure clarity around programme expectations leading to clear pathways of progression opportunities for learners.
A key priority of Future FET: Transforming Learning, the national Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020-2024 is to ensure consistency of support for all learners. SOLAS is pursuing the implementation of its recommendations through the National FET Strategy and as part of the Strategic Performance Agreement process in conjunction with individual Education and Training Boards.
An Operational Guidelines Working Group (OGWG) has been established by ETBI to review the operational guidelines applying to CTCs, and Specialist Training Provision as well as Local Training Initiatives within the FET Sector. The Group, comprising of FET Staff from a number of ETBs will review the Guidelines and revise/update as required. They will look at areas such as deficiencies, common areas, good practices, siloed practices/outdated practices and ensure the learner is represented in delivering high quality ETB programmes to meet the needs of that learner. The OGWG is due to report to the ETB FET Directors later in 2022 and I expect that it will address the issues raised by the Deputy.
486. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students studying at Maynooth University by course since 2018 to date, in tabular form. [35762/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data requested by the deputy is contained at the link.
487. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the expected date on which the construction of a new technology, society and innovation building at Maynooth University will be completed; and the estimated cost of the project. [35763/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am delighted to advise that the new Technology, Society and Innovation building at Maynooth University is at the final handover and demonstrations stage with the substantial completion cert expected to issue next week. The building will be available for use by the staff by the end of next week and for students at the start of the academic year.
This state of the art building will provide a 10,554m² teaching and learning facility and a 5,670m² refurbishment of the existing Arts and Science Building at Maynooth University. The project will facilitate an increase of some 3,370 students in areas such as business, law, design, biochemical sciences and environmental and climate sciences.
The estimated total cost of the project is circa €47.5m.
488. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the bodies under his aegis in which persons will receive a pay rise from 1 July 2022; the role of each, where appropriate, or the anonymised salaries bands otherwise, the current remuneration and the proposed increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35853/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, Section 20 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act, 2017, set out that restoration for public servants with annualised basic salaries above €150,000 would be completed by Ministerial Order by 1st July 2022. In accordance with the legislation, an Order under Section 20 of the Act was laid before the Oireachtas on the 30th of June.
The Department of Public Expenditure (DPER) recently advised Departments of the process to be followed to confirm the 1st July restoration for affected posts under their aegis prior to restoration being given effect. As this process is ongoing and no pay increases under the legislation can be made until they have been verified by DPER, I have asked officials from my Department to respond directly to you with information on any pay increases to apply once this process has been concluded.
489. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will confirm that in the near future any person who is studying a construction skills certification scheme course with SOLAS will not be credited with a QQI certificate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35941/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) Regulations, 2008, construction and quarrying workers undergo training, assessment, certification and registration for their roles. Additionally under the 2013 Regulations, persons undertaking on-site security work and persons or classes of persons as may be prescribed by the relevant Minister are required to hold a safety awareness registration card (Safe Pass card).
The Construction Skills Certificate Scheme and Quarrying Skills Certificate Scheme went through a detailed review and following consultation with public sector bodies (Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Health and Safety Authority) industry (Construction Industry Federation, Concrete Federation of Ireland, Electrical Contractors etc) and staff representatives (SIPTU, Building & Allied Trades' Union, Technical Engineering & Electrical Union, etc). All stakeholders agreed that the recommendations of the review would be adopted including moving to a licence system (similar to the EU) with an assessment event every 5 years and a move away from the Certificate approach.
The main purpose of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and Quarrying Skills Certification Schemes is to ensure that people competently operate machinery and conduct tasks in a safe and competent manner. This requires appropriate monitoring and inspection. The current certification arrangements through QQI do not include such monitoring and inspection.
In recognition of this, and supported by research undertaken by SOLAS and outlined in the Bearing Point report, the current certification (QQI) approach will transition to a licencing model for both programmes. A draft Memo for Government setting out the new approach will be brought to Cabinet shortly.
490. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the further education and training services available to young persons in Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart, Citywest and Brittas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36026/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) offers a wide range of Further Education and Training (FET) options for young people in south west Dublin via its 16 FET centres in Tallaght, Clondalkin, Greenhills and Lucan and Voluntary Youth Groups.
Tallaght Training Centre offers a wide range of courses onsite or in a variety of accessible training locations including craft apprenticeships, traineeships, and specific skills training. Youthreach programmes are available in Priory, Tallaght, Clondalkin, and Lucan, as well as a range of adult education programmes across Priorsgate, Tallaght, Clondalkin and Mont Seskin Community Centres. PLC programmes are offered in Collinstown Park Community College, Deansrath Community College, St Kevin’s Community College and Greenhills Community College.
Within the youth service settings, it supports Newcastle Foróige, Spirit Newcastle Foróige Club, Foróige Rathcoole Youth Club and the 73rd Rathcoole Scout Club. It also supports a range of BTEI and LTAI programmes.
Of the approximate 5,000 beneficiaries in the above centres (excluding Voluntary Youth Groups) in 2021, 20% were aged between 15-24.
DDLETB has made applications to SOLAS under the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund and the FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund for projects that would upgrade and expand capacity including for those who are living in the catchment areas of Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart and Brittas. The applications to these Funds are currently undergoing assessment.
DDLETB have also submitted an application to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY) for the establishment of a new UBU (Your Place Your Space) Youth Service in 2021. Its application contains details of a Southwest Orbital route, which includes Adamstown, Clonburris, Citywest as well as Rathcoole, Newcastle and Saggart. It is hoped that new services will be developed throughout 2022 and 2023.
491. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of third level college students aged 18 to 26 years who are on waiting lists for free counselling services; the average wait times, by college, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36080/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra492. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the process by which third level college students aged 18 to 26 years can avail of free counselling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36081/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 491 and 492 together.
The mental health and wellbeing of students is a priority for my Department, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic which has brought increased stress and anxiety levels for students. Over the past two years, we have allocated €10 million to higher education institutions to assist with supports for students. Each college was asked to focus on the recruitment of additional staff and address waiting lists. My Department allocates funding to the HEA for direct disbursement to the HEIs. As autonomous bodies, the internal disbursement of this funding, including the funding of their student services, the employment of counselling staff, and the procurement of counselling, waiting lists and mental health services are a matter for the individual institutions.
However, I have asked the HEA to provide me with further detail on the allocation of that funding and its impact on waiting lists and I can revert to the Deputy. I am advised the funding over the past two years has enabled support services in HEIs to use new platforms and contemporary communication channels to reach out to students, rather than waiting for students to contact their student mental health services. This reaching out assisted in the support of students while COVID restriction were in place and continues to do so.
In 2020 PCHEI, Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education in Ireland, received funding to establish a national office that would, among other objectives, support the development of Student Counselling Services so they best meet the needs of students both now and into the future. In 2021 a consortium consisting of TUS, DkIT and PCHEI received funding for the project, ‘PCHEI Data set – Evidence base on counselling engagements, referrals and supports.’ The completion of this project will facilitate the gathering of data regarding the number of students engaged in counselling and with supports in HEIs on a national basis.
In the Further Education and Training (FET) area, learners may have access to internal psychological supports from qualified ETB staff. Funding for these supports are dispersed under general individual programme and learner support headings. SOLAS allocates funding for Guidance, Counselling and Psychological Services for Youthreach participants.
