Written Answers Nos. 557-576
558. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will exercise discretion in the matter of a person (details supplied) in receipt of a SUSI grant. [49668/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor student grant purposes, students are categorised 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 break in studies.
The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
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.
With regard to the specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the student has exhausted the appeals process. Her appeal was heard by the independent Student Grant Appeals Board on 19th July 2022 and the determination was issued directly to the student.
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. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
559. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that a person in receipt of a SUSI grant, who is classed as a dependant, at the beginning of their studies cannot become independent during their studies without requiring a three-year break; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49669/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor student grant purposes, students are categorised 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 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; or
- Is returning as a "second chance" student after a five year break in studies. (Following the recent Budget announcements this time period for a full break in studies will be reduced from 5 years to 3 in the 2023/24 academic year).
The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
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.
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 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. Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
The Deputy will appreciate that the student grant appeals process has been established to investigate and address any issues concerning student grant applications.
As there were no details provided for the student the Deputy refers to, I cannot comment on the application status of this student. If the Deputy has further enquiries relating to the specific application, they can be emailed direct to SUSI oireachtas@susi.ie. Staff in SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.
560. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the factors that are used to determine distance from the recipient’s home to a higher educational institute in calculating the rate of a SUSI grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49670/22]
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.
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.The qualifying distance criterion for students to qualify for the non-adjacent rate of grant was reduced 45km to 30km, effective from the start of the 2022/23 academic year.
I prioritised this change for the 2022/23 academic year and is currently benefitting students building on the improvements that I have already been made and those announced in the recent Budget.
561. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the process that is employed in appealing a decision made on a SUSI grant; the person who presides over the decision-making process in both the first and second instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49671/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Student Grant Scheme is administered by the centralised national grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland), a business unit of CDETB (City of Dublin Education and Training Board), on behalf of the Department. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for SUSI to determine.
If an individual applicant considers that he/she has been unjustly refused a student grant, he/she may appeal, in the first instance, to the awarding body SUSI. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by the Appeals Officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board.
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.
The independent Board meets on a regular basis and adjudicates on the cases submitted.
562. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will meet delegates from a representative body (details supplied) in October; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49746/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs is clear from the actions already taken in the cost of living measures outlined in Budget 2023, my Department is monitoring the issue of stipends and the views expressed by students and other stakeholders, in the context of the resources available and the competing needs to which they can be allocated.
With that in view, as an immediate and tangible relief against the challenges of the rising cost of living, I am introducing:
- a once-off payment in 2022 of €500 for PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award and
- a €500 increase to the stipend baseline in 2023 for PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award.
PhD student recipients may also, in certain circumstances, qualify for support from SUSI.
I should add that I am commencing a review of current PhD training provision, including supports for students such as stipends. I have asked my Department to set out a scope for such a review, building on previous work in this area and with a view to framing practical actions that can be implemented within the resources available and competing needs.
563. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures that will be taken to ensure that there is adequate financial support for students commencing third level education in 2023. [49797/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI, provides grant assistance 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.
Following on from improvements I made to the Student Grant Scheme in Budget 2022, I announced a range of further measures to enhance the scheme as part of Budget 2023.
Some of these cost-of-living measures will already commence in 2022.
As part of the Government's cost of living measures, every SUSI maintenance grant recipient will receive an additional once-off extra maintenance payment to be paid by the end of December 2022. This includes PLC, undergraduate and Postgraduate Students who are in receipt of the Special Rate of Grant.
All higher education students who are eligible for the fees initiative will benefit from a once off reduction in the Student Contribution rate of €1,000 for the 2022/2023 academic year. For those on the 50% Student Contribution rate this reduction will mean that the balance the student pays to their Higher Education Institution will be €1,000 (a reduction of €500) for the current academic year.
PhD students funded by the SFI and the IRC will also benefit from a once off payment of €500 in the current academic year.
Post Graduate Students who meet the eligibility criteria for a Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant will benefit from a once off increase in this grant of €1,000 from €3,500 to €4,500.
In addition, I am increasing all maintenance grants effective from January 2023 in order to provide further financial assistance to those students most in need. The special rate and Band 1 rate of maintenance will increase by 14% and all other maintenance grant rates will increase by 10%. Students in the current academic year will see their grant payments increase proportionately once this measure comes into effect from January 2023.
Further measures will be introduced from September 2023 that will increase the level of support available to students attending third level. Those who are assessed as having a reckonable income of between €55,240 and €62,000 will be eligible for a 50% student contribution grant and those who are assessed as having a reckonable income of between €62,000 and €100,000 will be eligible for a grant of €500 towards their student contribution fees. This change should lead to an estimated 42,500 - 50,000 families receiving support under the student grant scheme for the first time. PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award will see a €500 increase to the stipend baseline in 2023 from €18,500 to €19,000.
These significant measures will see students have more money in their pockets to help them tackle the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis.
Furthermore, I have secured a further €8 million of funding for the Student Assistance Fund for the current academic year. Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The Fund provides financial support to students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students can apply for SAF to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. It is open to both full and part-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. It is designed to provide a source of financial support in addition to a SUSI grant.
Applications can be made under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) through the Access Office in the third level institution you are attending. They will have more information concerning their own HEI. More information on this fund and other supports are also available at www.studentfinance.ie.
564. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consult SUSI about raising the income threshold to ensure that middle-income earners who are struggling can access third level grants from 2023. [49798/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that I have already instigated improvements to the student grant scheme in Budget 2022. For the academic year 2022/23, I increased the income threshold to qualify for the standard rate of student grant by €1,000.
As part of Budget 2023, I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students including a once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes.
The once off €1,000 support relates specifically to the student contribution payable by student’s eligible for free tuition fees under the Department free fees schemes in academic year 22/23. It will reduce the student contribution payable for free fees eligible students from €3,000 to €2,000 in 22/23.
In addition, I have made two changes to the income thresholds for the student contribution grant for the academic year 2023/24 which will reduce the cost of education for students and families. I have increased the income limit from €55,240 to €62,000 for students to avail of the 50% Undergraduate Student Contribution and introduced a new support to the value of €500 for families on qualifying incomes earning between €62,000 and €100,000. It is estimated that between 42,500 and 50,000 families could receive support under the Student Grant Scheme in 2023 for the first time as a result of these measures.
I have introduced two further measures whereby students can deduct income up to €14,000 as declared to Revenue under the Government's Rent a Room Scheme as well as an increased amount income earned by them outside of term time from €4,500 to €6,552 from their reckonable income when calculating the income for the 2023/24 Student Grant Scheme. Some students may find that they will receive a higher rate of grant and some new students may also find themselves eligible for a grant for the first time once these measures are introduced.
In addition for the 2022/2023 Academic Year a further €8 million of funding has been secured for the Student Assistance Fund for the current academic year. Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The Fund provides financial support to students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students can apply for SAF to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. It is open to both full and part-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. It is designed to provide a source of financial support in addition to a SUSI grant.
Applications can be made under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) through the Access Office in the third level institution you are attending. They will have more information concerning their own HEI. More information on this fund and other supports are also available at www.studentfinance.ie.
565. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline the financial projections of the national training fund up to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49816/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Training Fund (NTF) established by the National Training Fund Act, 2000, is a dedicated fund to support the training of those in employment and those seeking employment. The Act also provides for the funding of research to provide information on existing and likely future skills requirements of the economy. Funding from the NTF is allocated by my Department with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in accordance with the provisions of the National Training Fund Act, 2000.
The National Training Fund Act 2000 provides for a levy on employers to be used to fund the development of and raising of skills amongst those in, or seeking, employment. The NTF levy is collected by the Revenue Commissioners as part of the PRSI collection system. The funds collected are included in the transfer of gross PRSI from the Revenue Commissioners to the Social Insurance Fund of the Department of Social Protection (DSP). Each year DSP undertakes an apportionment exercise to analyse PRSI collection data and to apportion funds to the Social Insurance Fund; the Health Levy and the National Training Fund.
The National Training Fund also receives income from the European Social Fund (ESF) in respect of ESF co-financed activities that have been pre-financed from the NTF. The level of ESF receipts to the NTF in any year depends on the amounts certified to, and reimbursed by the Commission in that year in respect of NTF funded activities.
The following table shows financial projections for the National Training Fund up to 2025.
|
2021 Actual Position |
2022 Forecast |
2023 Forecast |
2024 Forecast |
2025 Forecast |
|
|
Total Projected income A |
879,250 |
946,600 |
1,020,941 |
1,087,841 |
1,159,741 |
|
Expenditure held flat (as at Budget 2023) |
594,188 |
765,073 |
682,542 |
682,542 |
682,542 |
|
Projected Surplus/(Deficit) for the year |
285,062 |
181,527 |
338,399 |
405,299 |
477,199 |
|
Balance brought forward at 1 January 2021 b |
817,464 |
||||
|
Surplus carried forward as at 31 December (projected) |
1,102,526 |
1,284,053 |
1,622,452 |
2,027,751 |
2,504,950 |
A - PRSI receipts from 2022 onwards forecasted by DSP at Budget 2022, ESF 2022 income as at Revised Estimates 2022, Income from ESF 2023 onwards based on Budget 2023 Forecast
B - Surplus brought forward at Jan 2021 from NTF 2020 Accounts.
566. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that students attending the University of Limerick are being charged €3,700 a year due to their being part-time students (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49838/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matters raised by the Deputy are for consideration by the University of Limerick.
The University of Limerick is an autonomous institution within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997. It is therefore academically independent and responsible for the regulation of its own academic affairs and administrative processes, including in relation to course delivery and the determination of part time tuition fees. Neither I nor my Department have a role in these internal processes.
Where a student is dissatisfied with their course or wishes to raise a concern or complaint about the policies of a higher education institution the matters should be raised with the institution in line with the institutions complaints procedures.
For part time students attending publicly funded HEIs that are experiencing difficulties currently, there is a significant allocation to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and I would encourage students to contact their access office to avail of these funds.
Tax relief on tuition fees may be available for students attending part-time courses. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
567. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will change the three-year residence rule for children born outside the European Union whose parents have returned to Ireland to allow the children to become eligible for Irish fees as opposed to international fees for third level education; if he will ensure that students who meet the three-year criteria can change from being treated as international students to Irish students during the course of their studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49911/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to qualify for funding under the Department's Free Fees Initiative students must meet the criteria of the scheme including the separate residency and nationality/citizenship requirements in their own right.
In order to meet the residency criteria a student must have been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/Swiss/UK state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course. All students are required to meet the residency criteria of the scheme.
The three out of five year rule takes cognisance of students who wish to take time out to travel or work abroad. Such students can still meet the residency requirement if they have not been outside the countries referenced above for more than two of the previous five years.
There are no plans to extend beyond the current eligibility criteria at this time.
Where students do not qualify for free fees funding they must pay the appropriate fee - either EU or Non-EU, as determined by each higher education institution. These institutions are autonomous bodies and the level of fee payable by students who do not meet the requirements of the free fees scheme is a matter for the relevant institution to determine.
My Department responded previously to concerns about the impact of the Free Fees Initiative eligibility criteria on Irish nationals who had, for occupational or economic reasons, to move abroad, requiring them to take their children out of the Irish education system in the process.
To this end, the department advised that, with effect from the academic year 2014/15 onwards, higher education institutions should charge the more moderate rate of EU fee for students that commence their first undergraduate course of study in an approved institution here and:
- Hold EU/EEA/Swiss/UK nationality but do not meet the residency clause of the Free Fees Initiative; and
- have completed five academic years of study (at either primary or post-primary level) in an EU/EEA/Swiss/UK State.
For students experiencing difficulties currently, there is a significant allocation to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and I would encourage students to contact their access office to avail of these funds.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further details are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
568. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science her position regarding the future headquarters of the South East Technological University (details supplied) which is irreconcilable with that stated in the minutes of the governing body meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49930/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been informed by the South East Technological University (SETU) that it has not announced a headquarters for the university and that for the purposes of administration processes the governing body has agreed that the administrative address would be the Waterford campus.
The appropriate development or operation of any campus of a multi-campus technological university, including SETU, remain matters for the governing body of the relevant university and neither I as the Minister nor my Department has a role or function in such matters, nor is the allocation of funding predicated on such matters.
569. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if she will provide details of what constitutes a quorum with respect to the new governing board of the South East Technological University; the way that decisions at board level stand when taken in the absence of one or more of the primary four regional representatives; if it is by majority vote on the day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49931/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislative requirements in relation to the governing body of a technological university (TU) are prescribed in Schedule 1 of the Technological Universities Act 2018 (N0. 3 of 2018).
In the context of his question I would refer the Deputy in particular to sections 5 and 11 of the schedule in relation to the regulation of governing body meetings and to section 12 in relation to the making, amendment or revocation by a governing body of regulations of the TU for the conduct of the procedure and business of the TU.
570. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of moving all part-time courses at public higher education institutes under the free fee initiative on a pro-rata basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50042/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Department's Free Fees Initiative (FFI), the Exchequer pays tuition fees on behalf of eligible first-time undergraduate students attending approved full-time undergraduate courses. In order to qualify for funding under the Department’s Free Fees Initiative, students must meet the criteria of the scheme and be attending an approved course. Part-time courses are not approved courses under the Free Fees schemes.
As the Deputy is aware, 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 part time tuition fees, the courses offered, and the number of students enrolled on such courses are solely a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria. Part-time tuition fees are also subject to review by the institutions themselves. In this regard an estimated cost of the state fully supporting all such fees in not readily available.
571. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of reducing all non-SUSI postgraduate courses by €1,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50043/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, fee levels vary across the institutions, disciplines and mode of delivery.
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 level of postgraduate tuition fees to be charged, the postgraduate courses offered, and the number of students enrolled are therefore a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria.
Postgraduate tuition fees are payable directly to Higher Education Institutions. My Department is therefore not in a position to provide an estimated cost for reductions in such fees by the sector.
572. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that he is taking to ensure that Ukrainians enrolled in third level courses are supported in accessing student accommodation, where necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50047/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should be aware that, in the first instance, it is my colleague Mr. Roderic O'Gorman, Minister for of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth, who has primary responsibility for the provision of short-term emergency accommodation to displaced persons from Ukraine in Ireland. His Department has consistently stated that, given the challenging environment in which it is operating, it not in a position to provide bespoke accommodation solutions for those displaced persons seeking accommodation.Nevertheless, I am keenly aware of the difficulties facing students, both Irish and international, in trying to find a place to live this year, a situation that has been further complicated by Putin’s war on Ukraine. The accommodation shortage is impacting all sectors of society and Government is working to address this problem strategically.Under the Government’s Housing for All plan, it has now been agreed, for the first time, that the State will assist with the cost of building student accommodation in return for affordable rents for students, something which it is hoped will benefit all future students, including international students. A new dedicated section has also been established in my Department to lead on this issue, and officials from this section will work with stakeholders to develop pathways to accelerate the delivery of this type of accommodation.In addition I sought and received Government approval for a range of measures to assist displaced Ukrainians wishing to continue their education in Ireland. These include direct financial supports such as a stipend to be paid to Ukrainian full-time higher education students from the Erasmus National Grant and a bursary to support those taking SOLAS approved PLC courses, which can help meet accommodation costs.
573. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider expanding the remit of the mitigating against educational disadvantage fund to provide rent-related funding to support educationally disadvantaged learners in accessing and participating in third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50095/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Reach fund (formerly the Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund) is to assist Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to increase their capacity and that of community education providers to address the decline in participation of educationally disadvantaged learners, particularly those on literacy and basic skills programmes at levels 1 to 3 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
The fund places a strong focus on community education as a mechanism to continue to support and engage with disadvantaged learners. In addition, there is a focus on enabling the investment in building the digital infrastructure of community education providers, including providing devices and software, and increasing their capacity to deliver learning and to ensure that online learning/blended learning can be delivered in a way that meets the complex needs of learners.
The purpose of the Reach Fund was specifically designed to tackle inequalities and support access to community education. The Deputy will be aware of the increases in the maintenance grant rates and in the income thresholds under the student support schemes announced in Budget 2023 which will benefit PLC students in addition to the removal of the PLC levy with effect from the September 2022.
574. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if funding has been provided under the mitigating against educational disadvantage fund to support educationally disadvantaged learners in counties Laois and Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50096/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reach Fund (formerly the Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund) is funded by SOLAS and administered to local community education projects by the 16 local Education and Training Boards (ETBs) around the country. The aim of the Fund, which was introduced in 2020, is to support community education for adult learners who have the highest level of need, with a focus on building the digital infrastructure of community education providers to increase the capacity to deliver online learning.
The funding allocated to the Laois and Offaly ETB is set out in the following table.
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
|
Total |
€334,027 |
€238,433 |
€358,771* |
|
No of Groups |
24 |
19 |
22* |
*Projected figures
575. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the chronic shortage of graduates in the veterinary sector; and the efforts that are being made to remedy this deficit. [50144/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not place a quota on the number of places on veterinary medicine courses offered by higher education institutions, and as such the number of places provided each year is determined by the institutions themselves in line with their capacity. However, there are real, material limits on the number of places that can be created on courses with significant practical elements and placement requirements, such as veterinary medicine.
Funding the Future, a landmark policy document, was launched in May 2022. It provides the policy basis for the vision and direction of higher education funding in a sustainable way. A key element of this policy framework is a focus on driving skills and engagement, with a particular focus on essential public services. Through this policy framework my Department and HEA will strengthen planning for provision, and alignment between the sector and the national skills architecture, including workforce planning for key public services.
576. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the college fee re-imbursement announced in budget 2023 will apply to Irish students studying abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50252/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2023 I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students including a once-off €1,000 State financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s Free Fees schemes.
Courses provided outside the State are not approved courses under the Free Fees schemes and therefore the once off student contribution support of €1,000 in 22/23 cannot apply to students undertaking study in other jurisdictions.
The main support available to assist students with the cost of higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. The 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. Students attending courses in abroad can determine their eligibility for available supports at susi.ie/eligibility/income/.
