Written Answers Nos. 101-120
101. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that his Department is taking to financially support those undertaking PHD studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59309/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs is clear from the actions already taken in Budget 2023, the Government is committed to improving the position of those on PhD stipends, in the context of the resources available and competing needs.
With that in mind, as an immediate and tangible relief against the challenges of the rising cost of living, I was pleased to introduce:
- a once off payment in 2022 of €500 for PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award.
- a €500 increase to the stipend baseline in 2023 for PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award.
PhD students may also, in certain circumstances, qualify for support from SUSI.
In my first budget as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, I increased the IRC Stipend from €16,000 per annum to €18,500, matching that of SFI. However, I believe that a more fundamental look at stipends and other associated issues is merited at this stage.
My Department will soon begin a national review of State supports for PhD researchers, and plans to have a report completed in early 2023. In this regard, I was pleased to recently appoint Dr Andrea Johnson and David Cagney as Co-Chairs for the review. I look forward to the completion of this review and the opportunity it will provide to give comprehensive consideration to the current supports for PhD students.
102. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the announcement made in July 2022 regarding the additional 50 bursaries of €5,000 for the most disadvantaged students including those with a disability, mature students, lone parents and further education award holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59396/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for giving me an opportunity to update the House on the progress which has been made in providing bursaries for the most disadvantaged students.
I launched the fourth National Access Plan- a Strategic Action Plan for Equity of Access, Participation and Success in Higher Education in August.
This Plan identifies priority groups to support and sets out our vision for how we will improve access to higher education as well as specific goals and targets.
The 1916 Bursary Fund is a critical programme which will underpin delivery of the Plan. This Fund provides financial support to students identified by clusters of higher education institutions as being the most economically disadvantaged from amongst priority groups. The Bursary scheme complements existing student supports and access initiatives.
The 1916 Bursaries differ from existing bursaries in that they are targeted at non-traditional entry and can support undergraduate study on either a full or part-time basis.
In July 2022, I announced that 50 additional '1916 bursaries' of €5,000 per student would be made available for the most socio-economically disadvantaged students as identified in the National Access Plan, including those with a disability, mature students, lone parents, and further education award holders.
This brings the annual total Tier one bursaries to 253.
In addition, I introduced changes to the 2022/2023 '1916 Bursary' scheme to allow those on existing bursaries to continue their bursaries to pursue a graduate entry medicine course.
The closing date for applications has now passed and all successful applicants will be contacted once their application has been assessed by the institutions.
103. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will examine the position of students who must repeat a year of their degree course; if he will ensure that they receive supports available to others such as the reduction in registration fees previously announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59784/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key principle of the design of the free fees initiative and the SUSI scheme is to encourage progression, that is, to support students in progressing through a chosen course of study from year to year.
As a result, students are not typically supported for a repeat period of study or for a different course at the same level.
This is to ensure that the limited resources available are best used to support as many students as possible to obtain one qualification at each level of study.
There are provisions whereby students who find themselves experiencing exceptional circumstances, for example serious certified illness, can apply from an exception from either their institution for free fees or from SUSI as the case may be.
Where students do not qualify for the Department’s free fees schemes, an appropriate fee may be determined by each higher education institution as autonomous bodies.
What this means is that the once off student contribution support of €1,000 therefore does not apply to students undertaking a repeat period of study if that period of study is not eligible for the free fees scheme in this academic year.
While not all students are eligible for free fees or student grants, the Deputy may wish to be aware that I have also allocated over €17 million in funding for the Student Assistance Fund for the current academic year. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Applications can be made to this Fund through the Access Office in a student’s higher education institution.
Questions Nos. 104 and 105 answered orally.
106. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the new further education strategy will provide for increased and enhanced cross-border co-operation and collaboration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59815/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current Further Education Strategy - Future FET: Transforming Learning - maps the immediate future of further education to 2024. This strategy is very much about positioning and building the capacity of further education institutions for the future, and beyond 2024. Within this strategy, the three key pillars are building skills, fostering inclusion and creating pathways. These pillars have the potential to lead to increased and enhanced cross-border co-operation and collaboration. More specific ambitions are contained within the Strategic Performance Agreements between SOLAS and the ETBs for the period of 2022-2024 and the relevant aspects in national policy, such as the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025.
Opportunities and proposed actions included enhanced pathways from further education and training in Ireland to either further education or higher education progression in Northern Ireland (particularly in border counties),
collaboration on an all-island basis, both through the PEACE PLUS initiative as well as the development of the Shared Island agenda, and,
exploration of the potential for an all-of-island apprenticeship.
Initial discussions on a possible shared apprenticeship and appropriate approach for same have commenced and will continue into the first half of next year.
My officials are currently working with their counterparts in the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland on the development of a framework under the forthcoming PEACE PLUS programme. Subject to the conclusion of a Financing Agreement between the EU and UK, it is anticipated that calls for Proposals will issue in Q1, 2023.
In addition to PEACE PLUS, my officials are finalising an International Education, Research and Innovation Strategy. The strengthening of relationships on a North-South and East-West basis will feature strongly in this strategy. I hope to publish this in the next few weeks.
107. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a report on the way in which IT Carlow is integrating into the South East Technological University. [59818/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe South East Technological University was established on 1 May 2022, exactly seven months ago today; and simultaneously, IT Carlow and Waterford IT were dissolved.
My Department is committed to continuing to support all of the new TUs in developing their structures and capabilities to deliver on their ambitious agenda for their regions.
Exchequer funding has been provided to support and assist SETU under the Higher Education Landscape Fund and Transformation Fund, administered by the Higher Education Authority. To date funding allocated to SETU from these sources has amounted to some €19.6 million. I announced the latest tranche of €5.25 million in Transformation Funding for SETU on 11 November.
The integration of staff, students and all relevant academic policies, procedures and enabling systems of the two former Institutes into what is now a unified institution is the responsibility of the governing body and the institiution's leadership.
The Transformation Fund progress report supplied to the HEA by SETU indicates that there has been significant progress achieved, including the successful delivery of an integrated Financial Management System, transfer of all staff contracts to SETU, alignment of Employee Assistance Services and the approval of key HR and other policies including in relation to providing a secure IT infrastructure environment.
I understand that there is a survey of all SETU staff ongoing to gauge awareness levels and concerns relating to the merger and a focus on change impact assessment and change management as SETU begins to mainstream integrated activities and functions.
Communication of change continues to be facilitated through town hall meetings, webinars, project update newsletters, change training and the SETU change champion network operating across all staff constituencies and all SETU campuses.
108. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details of SUSI grants appeals; the number of appeals which are still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59868/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision on whether or not a student is eligible for a student grant is a matter for SUSI, the centralised student grant awarding authority, to determine.
If a student considers that they have been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the right one, they may appeal to SUSI in the first instance.
As of 20 November 2022, SUSI had received 4,879 appeals for the 2022/23 academic year. Of those, 4,374 have been decided and 505 are still in progress. Of the 4,374 which have been decided, the original decision was affirmed in 2,516 cases. The decision was set aside or varied in 1,816 cases where there was a change of circumstances or new information was provided. In 42 cases, the decision was set aside or varied for other reasons.
Where a student has had an appeal turned down by SUSI and is still of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in their case, they can submit an appeal to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board. This has to be done no later than 30 days after the student is notified of the decision of the appeals officer. Such appeals can be made online via the website (which is at studentgrantappeals.ie).
The Student Grants Appeals Board has 60 days within which to make a determination on an appeal. An applicant is informed by email of the Appeals Board's decision.
The number of appeals heard by the Student Grant Appeals Board in the calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022 were:
- 769 in 2020
- 723 in 2021
- 524 up to 22nd November 2022.
There are currently 108 appeals still in progress.
Provision is also made in the Student Support Act 2011 for a person to appeal the decision of the Appeals Board to the High Court on a specified point of law.
109. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a report has been done on the number of students not taking up college places due to the cost-of-living and housing crises; and the support that can be given to students who find themselves in this position. [59816/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key priority for my Department has been to ensure third level education is accessible for everyone. While data is not available on students who do not take up courses, I absolutely recognise that cost has the potential to be a barrier to entry and participation.
That is why, as part of the Government's overall response to cost-of-living pressures, I announced a wide-ranging package of financial measures in Budget 2023 to quickly respond to the financial challenges currently being experienced by students and their families.
These measures include:
- a reduction in the student contribution rate of €1,000 for this academic year;
- an additional maintenance grant payment which is being paid out to students before Christmas;
- an increase of between 10 and 14% in SUSI maintenance grant rates that will come into effect from next January;
- continued support for the Student Assistance Fund, with over €17 million allocated for this 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, with an ongoing increase of €500 in such stipends thereafter.
- post graduate students who meet the eligibility criteria for a Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant from SUSI will benefit from a once off increase in their grant of €1,000 from €3,500 to €4,500.
I have also made a number of changes for the next academic year to address ongoing costs of education including:
- increasing the income threshold for the student contribution 50% grant to €62,000
- introducing a reduction of €500 in the student contribution for eligible SUSI grant applicants earning between €62,000 and €100,000
- putting in place a permanent increase in the support for Post Graduate fees under SUSI by €500 from €3,500 to €4,000
I have also introduced a new Cost of Education options paper, which was published for the first time this year, which will allow further options to support students and families to be identified during the course of 2023 in advance of Estimates decisions later in the year.
Question No. 110 answered orally.
111. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the development of the new campus of the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest at Coonagh, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59486/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS) Coonagh Campus Phase 1 project is currently in the procurement phase. Approval to publish the Contract Notice was provided to TUS on 4 August 2022 and further approval to proceed to tender was provided to the University on 1 November 2022.
The procurement process is ongoing with the deadline for tender returns currently set at 13 December 2022. Following tender assessment, TUS has indicated that it is hoped to submit a request to enter into contract to the HEA in February 2023.
112. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the level of cross-Departmental engagement that his Department is engaged in, particularly in respect of the critical skills occupation list, within the context of the OECD skills review that his Department has commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59616/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Ireland/OECD Skills Strategy Project is taking place across four phases, scoping, assessment, recommendations and publication. The project is examining four key areas - governance of the skills ecosystem, lifelong learning, innovation, and balance in the type of skills needed. We are now in the recommendations phase with a final report expected in March 2023.
My Department leads the project working across Government via a Cross-Departmental Project Team and through the primary skills infrastructures, the National Skills Council and nine Regional Skills Fora rooted in collaborative and extensive engagement with all stakeholders in the skills ecosystem, including across government. Early indicative findings highlight the impetus for digital, green and workforce ready skills for the world of work and need for strengthened workforce development.
The attraction of international talent including via the Employment Permits System administered by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, is an important element in addressing the skills needs of the economy, when short term skills needs cannot be met by the education and training system. As part of the administration of the Employment Permit System, eligibility of roles for permits, including the Critical Skills Employment Permit, is guided by consideration of skills needs of the economy. The Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment have also been closely involved in all phases of the OECD Skills Strategy project including via membership on the Cross-Departmental Project Team and National Skills Council.
113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when it is proposed to publish a new further education strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59814/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 9 of the Further Education and Training Act 2013 requires SOLAS to submit a further education and training strategy every 5 years to the Minister for approval. The first FET Strategy covered the period 2014-19.
The current FET Strategy Future FET, Transforming Learning covers the period 2020-2024 and includes three core three core pillars of building skills, fostering inclusion, and creating pathways to deliver a more strategic and integrated FET system. SOLAS has Strategic Performance Agreements (SPAs) with the 16 Education and Training Boards to provide for the reform and realisation of the ambition in the FET Strategy at regional level. The current SPAs covering 2022-2024, will conclude at the same time as the Strategy.
In line with the legislative requirement, the next strategy will cover the 5 years from 2025-2029.
114. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his proposed timeline to implement proposals relating to a new model whereby the State would assist in relation to the provision of student accommodation. [59759/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe difficulties faced by students in accessing affordable student accommodation is an issue of which Government and I are actively pursuing. We are committed to addressing supply of affordable student accommodation for priority group students attending publicly funded higher education institutions in Ireland.
In response to this issue and to increase supply, I brought proposals to Government this week setting out a new policy that supports the delivery of additional purpose-built student accommodation for publicly funded HEI's. I am pleased to confirm Government has approved my proposed policy response to activate supply of student accommodation. This landmark policy response will, for the first time, see the state providing financial support in the construction of on-site student accommodation, and underpins the policy commitments set out in Housing for All.
This policy will ensure increased availability and promote greater access in particular for student groups in line with the National Access Plan. At the heart of the new policy is a commitment to deliver student accommodation to those most in need, and to provide it at affordable rates.
I have already established a dedicated unit for student accommodation in my Department to develop and implement this policy alongside the HEA. The unit is working closely with the HEA and the HEI's to implement this new policy as soon as reasonably possible while complying with proper governance procedures.
Government has also agreed to a short-term activation plan to stimulate the supply of affordable accommodation for students attending college in UL, MU and UG with the development of up to 700 beds. The immediate priority is to deliver on projects where planning permission already exists but where developments have not proceeded due to increasing construction costs. In addition, my officials and I are continuing to engage with a number of other providers to evaluate proposals for activation of projects with planning permission for the provision of further additional supply.
I will also begin to prepare our Technological Universities for the construction of student accommodation. In order for our TUs to thrive and to ensure we have balanced regional development; we need to have more student accommodation in our regions. Our TUs are ready for the challenge and this funding will start them on their path.
115. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline progress to address the student accommodation shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59839/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe difficulties faced by students in accessing affordable student accommodation is an issue of which Government and I are actively pursuing. We are committed to addressing supply of affordable student accommodation for priority group students attending publicly funded higher education institutions in Ireland.
Fundamentally the challenge is one of supply of housing more generally. As a country, we know that we need to dramatically increase the supply of all types of housing and accommodation, including student accommodation. That is why the Government launched Housing for All, led by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage setting out a series of actions which will be delivered to address the housing crisis. The plan is backed by the largest housing budget in the history of the State to transform our housing system, in excess of €20 billion. Since taking up office, both my Department officials and I have engaged and continue to engage on an ongoing basis with the Minister and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the wider higher education sector and relevant stakeholders on student accommodation issues including within the context of the advancement of the Government's Housing for All policy. I received Government approval and support this week on outline proposals to increase the supply of student accommodation, including proposals relating to a new model whereby for the first time the State would assist directly in bridging the gap between development costs and rental affordability in relation to the provision of additional student accommodation with publicly funded higher education institutions. This will involve the State assisting with the cost of building student accommodation in return for affordability commitments on rent. In addition to policy development, Government has approved funding to support the provision of up to additional 700 beds for students attending MU, UL and UG. In addition, further engagement is ongoing with other providers including DCU and UCD who have planning permission for additional supply. I have established a dedicated Student Accommodation Unit is leading the development of this new Student Accommodation policy as a matter of urgency, alongside the HEA and the sector.
This will also include support for TU’s in the development of feasibility plans on student accommodation in 2023 to develop appropriate responses to regional demand.
116. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the proposed new further education and training campus on the grounds of a location (details supplied) in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59698/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe College of the Future Major Projects Fund will support the implementation of the vision set out in the Further Education Strategy.
During a recent visit to Galway earlier this week, I was very pleased to announce that Galway Roscommon ETBs strategic proposal to develop a Further Education College in Galway city was successful in the first stage of the assessment process under the FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund.
GRETB’s proposal envisages the development of a new state-of-the-art FET campus on a site adjacent to its Mervue Training facility. This proposed new development would facilitate the strengthening of FET in Galway City and the wider region due to its close proximity to the training Centre in Mervue, Atlantic Technological University and NUI Galway.
This proposal will now progress to the next stage of the project lifecycle under the public Spending Code, which requires the development of a detailed Preliminary Business Case. This will begin in early 2023. A further evaluation of preliminary business cases for the ten proposals being allowed to progress to the second stage of the assessment process will be undertaken in 2023.
117. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if one-off payments in Budget 2023 will be included as income in household income means testing for SUSI applications for 2023/2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59862/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, as part of Budget 2023, I have secured a significant cost-of-living package for third level students.
The cost-of-living package, to take effect before the end of 2022, includes
- a one-off state financial support of €1,000 towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for the free fees initiative;
- a one-off reduction of up to 33% in the contribution fee for apprentices
- a one-off extra payment for all student maintenance grant recipients in December 2022 and
- a one-off increase of €1,000 in the support to SUSI qualified Post Graduate students, increasing from €3,500 to €4,500.
In addition, the Department of Social Protection announced a number of one-off measures during the coming months to help individuals and families through this difficult period.
The statutory based Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations are reviewed annually by my Department, following consultation with various stakeholders and other Government Departments including the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Consideration of this issue will form part of the Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations for the 2023/24 academic year, which will published in March 2023.
While the Scheme will not be agreed and published until March 2023, typically the scheme has been adjusted in the past when state payments of this nature increase and I anticipate this to be the case, subject to the usual deliberative process.
118. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will commit to associate membership of CERN; if so, if he will outline a timeframe for joining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59806/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this month, I indicated in Dáil Éireann that my Department will prepare a submission for Government to consider joining CERN. I expect to ask Government to consider the next approach in 2023.
Two types of CERN membership are possible – full membership and associate membership. Associate membership has been recommended by the CERN Ireland Users Group, by a Joint Oireachtas Committee and in a 2015 review of Ireland’s membership of International Research Organisations (IROs). Currently, an approach has been agreed, in principle, between DFHERIS and CERN whereby Ireland could join CERN as an associate member for a period of between 3 to 5 years and then assess the appropriateness of further membership options.
Based on preliminary indications received from CERN, the cost of Ireland’s associate membership as of 2022 would be circa €1.52m annually. The annual fee for associate membership is at least 10% of the cost of full membership (estimated at €15.2m annually). Membership costs are calculated based on the Net National Income (NNI) of member states and are updated annually.
Officials from my Department will now liaise with CERN regarding the total cost of membership, the application process and membership options. My Department will also engage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the capital requirement. There is no provision in the 2023 budget for CERN membership and the earliest that Ireland could join, assuming that the required funding is secured through the Estimates process, would be 2024.
Should the exchequer commitment be confirmed, Ireland can request that CERN send a task force to Ireland to carry out a formal assessment of Ireland’s suitability for associate membership. This is the normal process for associate members and the assessment could take up to a year.
119. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 18 October 2022, if the operational guidelines working group has presented its report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59831/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Operational Guidelines Working Group (OGWG) is an internal working group formed under the auspices of Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI).
The terms of reference for the group are to review the operational guidelines for Community Training centres (CTCs), Specialist Training Provision (STP) and Local Training Initiatives (LTIs) within the FET sector. In establishing the effectiveness of the current Operational Guidelines, the OGWP is examining the practices relating to learner registration, induction, attendance, holidays, sick leave as well as the termination and extension of training and the disciplinary procedures.
The OGWP comprises representatives from individual ETBs and relevant stakeholders are invited to meetings of the group where relevant issues are to be discussed.
The Working Group started its work in June 2022 and reports on its progress to the ETBI Directors Forum. While I understand that it is not proposed that a formal external report will be published, the work of the Group will inform the revision of the Operating Guidelines.
120. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students and the sectors of the economy that will benefit from his excellent recent announcement of the redevelopment of the former Pretty Polly site in Killarney as a further educational campus and centre of excellence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59788/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra155. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to his very positive recent announcement, if he will provide a timeline regarding the future redevelopment of the former Pretty Polly site in Killarney as a further educational campus and centre of excellence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59787/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 155 together.
The College of the Future Major Projects Fund will support the implementation of the vision set out in the Further Education Strategy.
During a recent visit to Kerry last weel, I was very pleased to announce that Kerry ETBs proposal for a FET College of the Future in Killarney, which envisages the repurposing of an existing factory site, was successful in the first stage of the assessment process under the FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund.
KETB’s proposal envisages the repurposing of an existing factory site, including the existing on-site buildings and its' transformation into a state-of-the-art campus to develop a Centre of Excellences in a range of areas. Included in its' proposal are areas such Hospitality Training, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Green Technologies, Apprenticeship Training (Craft & 2016+), and Lifelong Learning.
The proposed development of Kerry College Killarney Campus envisages bringing the first training and education facility of its kind to Killarney and South Kerry. It is envisaged that the College would serve the needs of local industry, particularly in the provision of excellence in training and education in sustainability and hospitality.
This proposal will now progress to the next stage of the project lifecycle under the public Spending Code which requires the development of a detailed Preliminary Business Case which will begin in early 2023.
A further evaluation of preliminary business cases for the ten proposals will be undertaken in 2023.
My Department and I remain committed to supporting Further Education Institutes and the wider sector in achieving their vision for FET education and provision.
