Written Answers Nos. 351-366
351. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the enhanced medical card regarding the redress scheme proposed for mother-and-baby home survivors will be issued; the services that it will cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47011/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the sense of urgency surrounding the establishment of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme and ensuring that it is open for applications as soon as possible is a key priority for my Department.
It is intended that the enhanced medical card will ensure the provision, without charge, of the following primary and community health services for those eligible:
- GP services;
- prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances
- dental, ophthalmic and aural services;
- home nursing;
- home support;
- counselling;
- chiropody/podiatry; and
- physiotherapy.
As well as the above services, it is intended that cardholders will not be required to pay (i) the €100 Emergency Department statutory charge or (ii) the €80 public hospital statutory charge.
Those who are living outside of Ireland will have the choice of opting for an enhanced medical card or a once off health support payment.
I intend to bring the Bill to Government seeking publication in the coming weeks. My Department is also progressing the operational components of the Scheme alongside the required legislation so that the Scheme will be able to open for applications as soon as possible after the passage of the legislation.
352. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the payment assistance that is available for relative foster carers; the criteria that they have to meet to avail of payments available to care for the children of their family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47012/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Child Care (Placement of Children with Relatives) Regulations, 1995, stipulates that the allowance payable to relative foster carers shall not be less than an amount specified by the Minister.
Relative foster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment to meet the needs of the child in their care. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €352 per week for a child aged 12 years and over.
It is paid in respect of the child and provided in order to allow relative foster carers to meet all of the child's daily living needs, including food, clothing, basic travel, education costs and hobbies and sports activities. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax.
The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day to day costs associated with looking after the foster child.
If required, Tusla can also provide additional financial supports to relative foster carers through either additional or enhanced payments. In considering any additional payment or enhanced allowance the assessing social worker is required to evidence that the standard fostering allowance does not adequately provide for the cost of caring for the child.
Additional payments refers to any payment made to a foster carer that exceeds the standard rate of the fostering allowance. Enhanced allowances for relative foster carers can be made when a longer term financial need is identified for additional supports for the child.
Tusla are in the process of developing a Strategic Plan on Foster Care 2022-2025 and I am aware that Tusla has recently engaged with foster carers in a consultation to inform the development of the Plan. Through this consultation, foster carers highlighted the need for the foster care allowance to be reviewed in light of inflation and increases in social welfare allowances. Tusla is currently finalising the plan, which will then be considered by my Department.
353. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a schedule of the costs for all live studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by him; and the details of the person or body that is conducting each study, review and research project in tabular form. [47039/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is conducting the following studies, reviews, and research projects. The table shows the costs, and person or body that is conducting each study, review, or research project. Where work is commissioned but a contract is not yet signed, entries for cost and tenderer are indicated as to be decided (TBD).
|
Project |
Commissioned or Internal |
Scheduled Completion |
Total Cost |
Tenderer |
|
A review of the current provision of Home Visiting Services for families with babies and young children in Ireland |
Commissioned |
Q1 2023 |
€135,563.00 |
Maynooth University |
|
Review of the Child Care Act |
Internal |
Q4 2022 |
- |
- |
|
Qualitative research study into the practice of conversion therapy in Ireland |
Commissioned |
Q3 2022 |
€30,398.00 |
Trinity College Dublin |
|
Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland: the national study of LGBTQI+ mental health and well-being |
Commissioned |
Q2 2023 |
TBD |
TBD |
|
Study of the older LGBTI+ population in Ireland |
Commissioned |
Q4 2022 |
TBD |
TBD |
|
Survey of LGBTI+ residents in international protection accommodation centres |
Commissioned |
Q4 2022 |
€18,165.00 |
LGBT Ireland |
|
Study of supports for parents of LGBTI+ youth |
Commissioned |
Q4 2022 |
€24,905.00 |
Quality Matters |
|
Study on recognising the preferred gender of under 16s |
Commissioned |
Q1 2023 |
TBD |
TBD |
|
Milk Pilot for Early Learning and Care, in partnership with the National Dairy Council |
Commissioned |
Q3 2022 |
€3,819.52 |
Shanahan Direct Marketing LTD |
|
End-of-Year Three Evaluation of the Access and Inclusion Model |
Commissioned |
Q4 2022 |
€130,919.66 |
University Of Derby |
|
Evaluation of Little Library 2021 and 2022 |
Commissioned |
Q2 2023 |
TBD |
TBD |
|
12 Month Review of the ECCE Programme |
Commissioned |
Q3 2023 |
€168,706.03 |
Stranmillis University |
|
Little Baby Bundle Pilot Scheme |
Commissioned |
Q4 2023 |
TBD |
TBD |
|
Analysis of submissions to the public consultation on the Autism Innovation Strategy |
Commissioned |
Q4 2022 |
TBD |
TBD |
|
A study to evaluate the processes for implementation of three equality strategies |
Commissioned |
Q1 2023 |
€74,300.00 |
Centre for Effective Services |
|
Qualitative research to examine the workplace experiences of parents dealing with pregnancy loss |
Commissioned |
Q1 2023 |
€40,000.00 |
University College Cork |
|
Review of equality legislation |
Internal |
Q4 2022 |
- |
- |
|
Context-sensitive methods, tools and principles for inclusive terminology and appropriate language to represent persons who spent time in the institutions known as ‘Mother and Baby Homes’, ‘County Homes’ and related institutions and their experiences in these institutions |
Commissioned |
Q4 2022 |
€91,000.00 |
NUI Galway |
|
Review of Early Years Regulations (Part-Commissioned) |
Commissioned |
Q4 2022 |
€22,988.70 |
Accessible Communication Environments |
|
Three year review of the First 5 whole-of-Government Strategy |
Internal |
Q1 2023 |
- |
- |
|
A report on the responses to the public consultation on the next government policy framework for children and young people in Ireland |
Commissioned |
Q3 2022 |
€20,000.00 |
Dr. Maria Herron (Independent Research Consultant) and Insights Health and Social Research |
|
2022 Edition of the State of the Nation’s Children |
Internal |
Q1 2023 |
- |
- |
|
Statistical Spotlight on First 5 |
Internal |
Q4 2022 |
- |
- |
|
Process review of the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy |
Internal |
Q4 2022 |
- |
- |
|
Variations in Children and Young People’s Health in Ireland: A Synopsis of Recent Research |
Internal |
Q4 2022 |
- |
- |
|
Growing Up in Ireland 2020-2022 (incl. Key Findings: Cohort ’08 at 13 years old) |
Commissioned |
Q4 2022 |
€7,579,232.50 |
ESRI |
|
Scoping review on the potential for a new GUI birth cohort |
Commissioned |
Q4 2022 |
€94,200.00 |
University College Dublin |
|
Methodological advice on hearing the voice of the child in poverty |
Commissioned |
Q4 2022 |
€19,412.00 |
Maynooth University |
|
Spending review of Tusla funded C&V-sector-provided family support services |
Internal |
Q4 2022 |
- |
- |
|
Estimating Government expenditure on children |
Internal |
Q4 2022 |
- |
- |
|
Research on the social worlds of 9 year olds |
Commissioned |
Q3 2022 |
€50,000.00 |
ESRI Research Partnership |
|
Research on the housing situation of children |
Commissioned |
Q4 2022 |
€50,000.00 |
ESRI Research Partnership |
|
Research on the early learning and childcare needs of parents who work atypical hours and live in rural communities |
Commissioned - Second phase |
Q3 2022 |
€22,000 |
Sandra Roe |
|
Pobal Early Years Sector Profile |
Commissioned |
Q1 2023 |
TBD |
TBD |
|
OECD TALIS Starting Strong |
Commissioned |
Q1 2025 |
€141,554.00 |
CSO |
|
Research and data project examining the lives of children in care and adults who were in care as children |
Internal |
TBD |
- |
- |
|
National Practice Teaching in Social Work Initiative |
Commissioned |
Q3 2023 |
€159,900.00 |
University College Cork |
|
Towards a new governance framework for children and youth policies in Ireland |
Commissioned |
Q1 2024 |
N/A – funded by European Commission via the Technical Support Instrument |
- |
354. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the case of workers in Section 56 organisation (details supplied) who are members of the public pension superannuation scheme and who had their wages cut and their hours increased, under the Haddington Road and Croke Park Agreements, but who have not benefitted from the Building Momentum Agreement; when they can expect to have their pay increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47060/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond directly to you on this matter.
355. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the work of his Department in addressing legislation that prohibits women from deferring their maternity leave while undergoing cancer treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47099/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Maternity Protection Acts 1994-2004 provide a pregnant employee with six months of paid maternity leave and an additional three months of unpaid leave; alongside other entitlements such as breastfeeding breaks which I intend to extend to two years following the birth of the child through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill which was approved by Government and will be introduced to the Houses shortly.
The Acts include provisions for the postponement of maternity leave in the event of the hospitalisation of the child and for the termination of additional unpaid maternity leave in the event of illness of the mother.
All forms of family leave are kept under review to ensure that they are effective in supporting families and children. I asked my officials to examine the issues raised by the Irish Cancer Society in June this year, regarding the deferral of maternity leave where a mother falls ill during that period and this work is ongoing.
356. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be granted the non-adjacent special rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46572/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
With regard to the specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the student outlined by the Deputy was awarded the adjacent rate of grant by SUSI on the 11th July 2022. This award was affirmed by the SUSI Appeals Officer and confirmed by letter to the student on the 15th August 2022. The student subsequently submitted an appeal to the Student Grant Appeals Board which is due for consideration by 6th November 2022.
Maintenance grants under the Student Grant Scheme are awarded either at the non-adjacent rate or the adjacent rate, depending on the distance between the applicant’s normal residence and the college attended.
The adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable in the case of students whose normal residence is 30km or less from the approved institution which he or she is attending. The non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable in all other cases.
The measurement of the distances relating to the award of adjacent or non-adjacent rates of student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. The distance measurement for student grant rates is governed by Article 27(3)(a) and (b) of the Student Grant Scheme 2022. This provides that the relevant distance will be measured in line with agreed guidelines.
The guidelines require that the shortest most direct route between the applicant's normal residence and the institution being attended should apply. In determining the shortest most direct route, the relevant awarding authority shall establish:
- the method for measuring a route;
- the factors to be taken into account in establishing and measuring a route.
357. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the recently announced new minimum annual stipend rate for PhD students of €28,000 will be expanded to include current PhD students given that currently they will be paid less for their work that students who newly enter the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46640/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new PhD programme to which the Deputy is referring is Innovate for Ireland.
The Taoiseach and I recently launched Innovate for Ireland, which is a new partnership between industry and the Government to recruit and retain research talent to Ireland. A stipend of €28,000 will apply to PhD students on the new Innovate for Ireland programme.
Innovate for Ireland will commence in 2023 and the initial phase will seek to attract up to 400 high calibre PhD students to undertake research in Ireland that tackles national and global grand challenges such as climate change and climate adaptation; global health and pandemics; water poverty; digital society; and cyber-security.
This programme aligns with my Department's Strategy Statement 2021-2023 and also the strategic goals of the Government’s recently launched R&I strategy, Impact 2030.
In relation to stipends in general, they are frequently a feature of funding 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 is monitoring the issue of stipends, in the context of the resources available and the competing needs to which they can be allocated. In that regard, I allocated additional funding to the IRC in 2021 to enable it to increase postgraduate scholarship by €2,500 per annum, or 16%. 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 the Irish Research Council (IRC) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).
I am examining a range of options to support students in this year’s Budget, including PhD students.
Impact 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. The strategy recognises that the quality of our researchers is fundamental to the quality of our research system, 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.
358. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of current or previous students at a college (details supplied) who have been awarded a SUSI grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46647/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The college referred to by the Deputy is not an approved institution under the Student Grant Scheme.
359. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that he has taken to ensure that private colleges that are not eligible for SUSI make the public aware of this fact; the steps that he has taken to inform the public that students enrolled in private colleges may not be eligible for SUSI grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46648/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Department's Student Grant Scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution as defined in the scheme. The definition of an approved institution is set out in Section 7 of the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulation 3 of the Student Support Regulations 2022. Private colleges operated on a for-profit basis are not listed as approved institutions for student grant purposes.
However, it is open to higher education institutions that operate on a 'for profit' basis to use their own resources to provide financial supports to any of their students that they consider to be in particular need. 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 including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information is available from a student's local Tax office or from the Revenue Commissioners website www.revenue.ie
The Deputy will appreciate that private colleges are autonomous bodies that do not fall under the remit of my Department, and accordingly the question of me directing them to adopt or retain certain practices does not arise.
However, I can confirm that in relation to the national student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland), the following arrangements are in place to ensure students and their parents are made aware that student grant assistance only applies to eligible students attending an approved course in an approved institution:
The "Eligibility Criteria" page of SUSI’s website clearly states that to be eligible for funding, an applicant must be attending an "approved course in an approved institution" (as defined in the relevant Student Grant Scheme and associated legislation).
Additional links on this webpage provide more information regarding the type of course a student may wish to pursue, be it PLC, undergraduate, postgraduate or study outside the state. On these linked dedicated pages, it is again re-iterated that students must be attending an approved course in an approved institution for student grant purposes. Lists of all the approved institutions and the approved courses that each institution offers is also provided.
Furthermore, there is a webpage dedicated to approved courses and institutions for undergraduate students which lists a number of institutions that provide courses offered through the CAO which are not eligible for SUSI funding.
Apart from the information available on SUSI's website, representatives from SUSI also attend various events such as college Open Days and Higher Options events throughout the year, with the aim of meeting students and answering any questions they may have about the application process. This involves providing information regarding student grant eligibility criteria, including the fact that students must be attending an approved course in an approved college to avail of SUSI grant assistance. This information is also available to students as part of the accompanying suite of assets created to support these events, which includes video presentations and digital leaflets which can be viewed on the SUSI website.
In addition, SUSI deliver training to key stakeholders including Institute of Guidance Counsellors members, Citizens Information staff, HEI Access officers and St. Vincent de Paul representatives each year to enable them to assist students with regard to the eligibility criteria and application process.
360. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the dates in 2022 that he has met with the CEO of Dublin-Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board. [46824/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the relevant engagements are attached, as requested by the Deputy.
|
Engagement |
Date |
|
Sallynoggin College of Further Education |
26 September 2022 |
|
Launch FET Podcast (ETBI) |
15 September 2022 |
|
Unified Tertiary System Webinar |
20 June 2022 |
|
Inaugural Meeting of the National Apprenticeship Alliance (NAA) |
24 March 2022 |
|
Visit of European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Mr Nicolas Schmit to Youthreach Clondalkin |
03 March 2022 |
361. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that illness benefit is not included in the SUSI special rate award of eligible Department of Social Protection payments in circumstances where the payment is claimed over a longer period; his plans, if any, to review the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46895/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe qualifying criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant in the 2022/23 academic year as specified under the Student Grant Scheme 2022 is as follows:
1. Student must qualify for the standard rate of grant;
2. Total reckonable income (net of income disregards and Child Dependant Increase) must not exceed €24,500, and
3. As at 31st December, 2021, the reckonable income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments prescribed in the Student Grant Scheme.
The report of the Action Group on Access to Third Level Education made detailed recommendations concerning the introduction of special rates of maintenance grants for disadvantaged students. The target group of "those most in need" was defined in terms of the dependents of people receiving long-term welfare payments, where the necessary conditions are fulfilled.
Illness Benefit is considered to be a short-term social welfare payment and, therefore, it is not included as an eligible payment for the purposes of the special rate of maintenance grant. 391 days is the time period as determined by the Department of Social Protection for a social welfare payment to be regarded as long term, and refers to social welfare days as opposed to calendar days. Illness Benefit is operated by the Department of Social Protection on a 6 day week basis.
The 391 day requirement for the purposes of qualifying for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme is operated in line with the arrangements as determined by the Department of Social Protection and follows its interpretation as to what it considers to be a long term payment. However, the Student Grant Scheme also makes provision for combining periods of Illness Benefit and other eligible payments for the purposes of meeting the 391 days eligibility requirement for the special rate of grant.
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 Grant Appeals Board.
362. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a schedule of the costs for all live studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by him; and the details of the person or body that is conducting each study, review and research project in tabular form. [47046/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the cost of all live studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by my Department including details of the body or person conducting each study is attached in tabular form.
|
Name of live studies/reviews/ research project |
Details of the person or body that is conducting the study |
Cost of the study, review or research project |
|
Development of a standardised classification scheme for public investment in research |
Conducted internally in DFHERIS by seconded SFI Public Research Fellow |
None |
|
HEI study into the experiences of bullying among Higher Education students |
Dublin City University (DCU) Anti-Bullying Centre |
€24,603.04 |
|
OECD Skills Strategy Project |
OECD |
€350,000.00 |
|
Research study into higher education skills required to meet residential construction needs |
John McGrath (Sole Trader) |
€22,500 has been assigned for the Higher Education element of the research, however the final invoices have yet to be supplied so the full amount may not be utilised. |
|
R&D Budget SurveyAnnual survey on the Government Research and Development and on Ireland's R&D expenditure. Department and agencies engaged in R&D are surveyed. |
Conducted internally by DFHERIS |
None |
|
Higher Education Research & Development Survey (HERD)Biennial survey of research and development activities in the higher education sector. The coverage includes all publicly-funded higher education institutions in Ireland. |
Conducted internally by DFHERIS |
None |
363. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports that are in place for students who live away from home under the age of 23 years to ensure that they can carry on with their studies (details supplied). [47071/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI, provides grant assistance to students pursuing an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
For student grant purposes, students are categorized according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
A student may be assessed as an independent student (i.e. assessed without reference to parental income and address) if he/she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course, and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents from the previous 1st October. Otherwise, he/she would be assessed as a dependent student, i.e. assessed with reference to parental income and address.
A student’s status for grant purposes is defined at their first point of entry to an approved further or higher education course or at their point of re-entry to an approved course following a break in studies of at least three years, and continues to apply for the duration of their studies.
However, there are points at which a student may reclassify from a dependent student to an independent student. These are where he/she:
- Progresses from further education to higher education.
- Is returning following a 3 year break in studies.
- Is returning as a "second chance" student after a five year break in studies.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine. A student may wish to discuss his/her individual circumstances with the SUSI Support Desk by calling 0818 888 777.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria to be assessed as an independent student for grant purposes, or who cannot supply the necessary documentation to establish independent living for the required period, may still apply to SUSI to have their grant eligibility assessed as a dependent student. The relevant information, including details of parental income, would be required by SUSI to determine grant eligibility as a dependent student.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students can apply for the SAF to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs, medical costs and books/class materials. This Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and 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.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) supports participation by students with a disability in further and higher education. The aim is to ensure that students can participate fully in education, or on an equal basis with their peers. The Disability Officers actively promote the ethos of inclusive learning for all students. Recently the FSD has also been used for projects to develop strategic disability services in HEIs and supports for students. Examples include inclusive design in teaching and learning, improving online teaching and learning practices, staff training, improving campus experience for students with disabilities, assistive technology supports and autism-friendly spaces.
I would also encourage students to review information on the student assistant fund, the fund for students with Disabilities and other financial supports available at www.studentfinance.ie and to contact their Access Office in the third level institution attended for details of any further supports.
364. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a review will be considered for a person (details supplied) given the change in pension contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47079/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, progression, previous academic attainment and means.
The student referred to by the Deputy was awarded 50% rate of Student Contribution.
I understand there has been ongoing engagement between SUSI and the student. I have asked SUSI to correspond directly with you.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
365. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of Youthreach learners availing of the services in each location available in counties Cavan and Monaghan in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47235/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
366. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice if the forty cars procured for Government Ministers are electric, hybrid, or otherwise. [46767/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána procured 13 diesel vehicles during the period 2013 to 2018, which form part of the current Ministerial Fleet.
In 2019, two additional vehicles were procured of which 1 was diesel and 1 was hybrid/unleaded. In 2021, 2 additional plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) were procured.
I am informed that 17 vehicles were ordered in 2022. I am advised that 8 of these vehicles have been procured to date, of which 1 is diesel, 1 is electric and 6 are PHEV. I understand that of the remaining 9 vehicles anticipated to be delivered in 2022, 5 are PHEV and 4 are diesel.
