Written Answers Nos. 1027-1046
1028. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timeline and strategy for delivering the substantial increase in healthcare training (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63450/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department remains committed to delivering a substantial increase in healthcare training places in third level colleges. However, this needs to be matched by clinical placements. This is in the control of the Department of Health. Healthcare programmes are by their nature complex in delivery. In particular, securing appropriate long-term placements and placement supports is a key element in unlocking additional provision. It is also crucial that any increases in places are introduced in a sustainable way, so that higher education institutions can build appropriate staffing capacity.
Working collaboratively with the Department of Health and the higher education sector, we have already made good progress in putting in place a multi-annual plan to deliver more medical places. As you will be aware, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has recently sought expressions of interest (EOIs) from higher education institutions interested in building capacity in Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary from academic year 2024/25 or 2025/26.
The closing date for EOIs was the 18th November. This process has been designed to respond swiftly to national skills needs, through either new programmes or expanding existing courses in these areas. The HEA has informed my department that 39 expressions of interest have been received. Of these, 20 institutions have proposed to deliver new courses, and 19 institutions are proposing to expand on existing courses in the selected disciplines. Overall, responses represent a rapid, nationwide engagement with the call.
My Department will continue to engage regularly with the Department of Health, the HSE, the Higher Education Authority and the higher education sector to identify where additional places can and should be provided in the higher education system.
1029. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the income and expenditure from the national training fund for 2021 and 2022 and the allocation for 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63483/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Income and Expenditure of the National Training Fund for 2021, set out in tabular form is taken from the audited Financial Statements which were laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 22nd November, 2022. The 2022 Financial Statements are currently being prepared for audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor-General. While the estimated income and expenditure for 2022 shown is as set out in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2023 published on 14th December, 2022, the actual expenditure is expected to be some €681m. The 2023 figures shown are taken from the 2023 Revised Estimates.
|
2021 Accounts €000 |
2022 Per Revised Estimates 2023 €000 |
2023 Revised Estimates €000 |
|
|
Income |
879,250 |
853,740 |
1,020,941 |
|
Expenditure |
594,188 |
698,791 |
900,771 |
1030. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will change guidelines in order that returning emigrants who have spent at least three of the previous five years in Ireland can change their status to qualify for the free fees initiative for any remainder of the college course that their children are attending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63490/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder my Department's Free Fees Initiative, the State pays tuition fees, exclusive of the student contribution, on behalf of eligible 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 including the residency 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. The three out of five year rule takes cognizance 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 jurisdictions referenced above for more than two of the previous five years.
All students are required to meet the residency criteria of the scheme preceding their entry to an approved third level course. In this regard it is not possible for a period of residency that subsequently takes place, following the beginning of a course, to be considered in determining a student’s eligibility under the scheme. There are no plans to extend the scheme beyond its 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 an autonomous bodies.
My Department is conscious of 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.
In March 2014, following consideration by Government, the then Minister for Education and Skills requested that the Higher Education Authority (HEA) advise the higher education sector of the Government’s view that, with effect from the academic year 2014/15 onwards, higher education institutions should charge the more moderate rate of EU fee for full-time undergraduate students that commence their first undergraduate course of study in an approved institution here and:
- Hold EU/EEA/Swiss 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 State.
It is a matter for the institutions to apply this policy to such students.
In terms of other available supports for students, the Deputy may wish to be aware of the Student Assistance Fund (SAF), which 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.
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 information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
1031. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of management development training courses by Skillnet in each year for which data are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63607/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSkillnet Ireland’s role is to advance the competitiveness, productivity and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led workforce development. Since its establishment in 1999, Skillnet Ireland has developed a specialised industry-led approach, engaging directly with companies and industry groups to inform and address talent needs. Funded from the National Training Fund, Skillnet Ireland partners with 60 industry bodies and enterprise clusters, supporting over 22,500 businesses and 86,000 trainees annually through its 72 Skillnet Business Networks across most sectors and all regions in Ireland.
Skillnet Ireland networks facilitated over 180 management development programmes in 2021, tailored and delivered in order to meet the needs of the given industries including construction, pharmaceuticals, technology, agri-food, retail, manufacturing and services. Over 4,100 learners participated in these programmes in 2021. Examples of these programmes include the 12 week MentorsWork programme, jointly developed by Skillnet Ireland and the Small Firms Association which pairs small businesses with an experienced mentor to address specific needs of the individual business. Another example is ‘Transform Your Business – For SME owner Managers’ which is operated by the Construction Professionals Skillnet.
Management Development is central to the Skillnet Ireland ‘Statement of Strategy 2021-2025’ and Skillnet Ireland are committed to intensifying the focus on upskilling and management development initiatives that drive growth and innovation in businesses in Ireland, particularly in SMEs.
Skillnet Business Networks deliver a wide range of upskilling programmes in specialist and professional areas which help managers enhance their skills, competencies, and knowledge. During 2021, over 26,000 owner-managers and managers participated in programmes and initiatives supported by Skillnet Ireland.
1032. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost of processing a safepass renewal. [63764/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSafe Pass Renewal is a new streamlined system to benefit and support the broader construction sector, enabling a faster and more cost-efficient method to renew Safe Pass cards for all workers in construction. Safe Pass Renewal offers an alternative process to renew Safe Pass, taking just 45 minutes instead of requiring a full day in the classroom, with cost savings of 50%, at a lower cost of €93.84 euro which includes the cost of producing and issuing the card directly to the candidate, following successful completion of the assessment.
The cost to the State of the new online renewal scheme per application is €93.84. Candidates can pay for the test by debit or credit card or their employer can purchase a voucher for them through the Pearson VUE voucher store. Access to this will also be available through the SOLAS website.
There are currently 29 test centres in Ireland that will deliver the Safe Pass Renewal programme when it goes live on 23rd January 2023.
1033. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will ensure that students who have changed courses in 2022 are eligible for the €1,000 Government contribution to student fees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63821/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1054. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider including students who repeat a year or change course in the €1,000 Government contribution to the student contribution for free fee scheme students in the 2022 to 2023 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1682/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1033 and 1054 together.
As part of Budget 2023, I secured a significant cost of living package for third level students, including a once-off €1,000 in support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes in the academic year 2022 to 2023.
A 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.
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.
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.
In terms of other supports, undergraduate students may be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. 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. Students with a previous higher education qualification at the same NFQ level, or who, in the past, attended higher education without ultimately obtaining a qualification, may be considered for support on a case-by-case basis and subject to available funding. Applications can be made to this Fund through the Access Office in a student’s higher education institution.
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 information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
1034. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63823/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the European Council decision on 4 March 2022, the Government is applying the rights afforded under the International Protection Act, 2015 to qualified persons who arrive into Ireland from Ukraine. Section 60 of the Act confers the right to access the labour market, education, healthcare and social protection to qualified persons on the same basis as Irish citizens.
Since the outbreak of the war, my officials and I have made every effort to support Irish and Ukrainian students who had been studying medicine in Ukraine to continue of their medical education here in Ireland. The response of the Deans of the Medical Schools in Ireland to treat displaced students as occasional students was delivered, mindful of their capacity and the highly complex regulatory framework.
While I understand the your constituent was disappointed not to secure a place on this programme, I understand that she wishes to pursue a Postgraduate course the coming academic year. As provided under the International Protection Act, displaced persons will be treated on the same basis Irish citizens for the purposes as fees. As autonomous bodies, the admission procedures including the assessment of any academic evidence to support applications, is a matter for each Higher Education Institution. I advise that potential students should engage with the Admissions Officer of the preferred institution for more details advice on the Postgraduate Application process.
1035. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are plans to review the pay, terms and conditions of personal assistants who work with students with additional needs who are undertaking level five and six courses in educational institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63919/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the claims being made by personal assistants directly employed by ETBs and by FORSA for improved terms and conditions for these workers who are currently paid on an hourly rate basis. My officials are currently engaging with FÓRSA representatives on this matter.
1036. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans, if any, to increase the number of third level courses for urban and rural planners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63990/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a range of courses which include a focus on urban and rural planning, including courses in architecture and urban planning. In the 2021/2022 academic year, there were c. 50 relevant courses available at levels 8-10 on the National Framework for Qualifications, with student enrollments rising by over 19% since the 2017/2018 academic year. Please find attached list of programmes for further information.
Under two of the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3 projects Higher Education provision in Urban and Rural planning is being innovatively developed.
The TU Dublin project Resilient Design Curricula for 21st Century professionals is developing architectural education to prioritise sustainable development. All six Schools of Architecture in the Republic of Ireland have partnered on this project.
Each Higher Education Institution (HEI) partner will strengthen their academic delivery with local and city councils who are invested in sustainable planning and building in their jurisdictions. The National Planning Framework 2040 Plan with its overarching region-by-region sustainability principles places a new and clear emphasis on a series of goals such as compact cities, strengthened rural environments, increased connectivity, a focus on heritage, wellness and healthcare and a sustainable management of water, waste and other environmental resources. These are all spatial and material in nature and are typical of the subject areas architecture schools work on and the building (and planning) industry as a whole is engaged with.
There is a newly developed micro-credential in planning currently in development under the TCD "Next generation teaching and learning for the changing needs of society and industry" project. The TCD Transport Modelling and Planning micro-credential is a 12-week course.
This Department recently published a Report on the Analysis of Skills for Residential Construction and Retrofitting 2023-2030, which indicates that the annual supply of graduates at levels 7-8, with regard to planners, is broadly in line with the forecast demand for this sector. See www.gov.ie/en/publication/10ae6-report-on-the-analysis-of-skills-for-residential-construction-retrofitting-2023-to-2030/ for further details.
1037. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans in place to dramatically increase the number of third level courses for marine planners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63991/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a range of courses available at Level 8 - Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications relevant to marine planning, including courses such as, but not limited to, Bachelor of Science (Marine Science), MSc in Applied Coastal Marine Management, Bachelor of Science (Hons) Environmental Planning and Management, MPlan (Planning and Sustainable Development) and Master of Science Spatial Planning.
Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997, the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006, and the Technological Universities Act 2018. As such they are autonomous in relation to their administrative and academic affairs, and the courses offered by any institution, and the level at which they are offered, are a matter for the individual institutions to determine.
However, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Innovation & Science (DFHERIS) fosters and develops a responsive education and skills system. The identification of skills priorities to help inform and shape planning for graduate output from higher education is guided by the National Skills Strategy 2016-2025, as the framework for skills development. The National Skills Council (NSC) and nine Regional Skills Fora (RSF), created under the National Skills Strategy, foster engagement and collaboration between relevant Government Departments and agencies, the education and training system, and enterprise. The broader skills ecosystem also encompasses entities including the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU, hosted in SOLAS), the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment) and the National Training Fund Advisory Group (NTFAG, DFHERIS). While DFHERIS has responsibility for skills policy, this broader skills ecosystem informs and drives responsive, flexible forecasting, planning, and provision.
My Department is focused on and will continue to focus on driving a skills ecosystem and skills agenda in Ireland which is agile and flexible to priority skill needs, including those arising from the twin digital and green transitions, to ensure Ireland has a skilled and productive workforce prepared for the challenges ahead.
1038. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he proposes to introduce new rules pertaining to the level of pay that apprentices should receive, in light of the fact that many are in receipt of payments that are less than the national minimum wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1077/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprentices are primarily employees and all of the 66 available apprenticeships are undertaken under a contract of employment. For the majority of apprenticeships, the rate of pay is agreed between the apprentice and the employer with the employer paying the apprentice during both on-the-job and off-the-job training elements of the apprenticeship.
For the 25 craft apprenticeship programmes, the minimum rates of pay applying under the employment contract are either agreed within the relevant sector, or are set out in legally binding Sectoral Employment Orders recommended by the Labour Court.
On that basis any review of those rates currently payable is a matter for negotiation and agreement under the appropriate industrial relations structures in place and it would not be appropriate for me to be involved in the determination of apprenticeship pay or training rates.
1039. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship registrations in the construction sector by type in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1106/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of the end of December 2022, there were a total of 5,628 registrations across all the construction apprenticeship programmes.
Of these, 4,797 registrations were on construction apprenticeship programmes, and 831 were registrations on construction-related apprenticeship programmes.
The full list of programmes and their total registration numbers are set out in the table.
|
Construction Apprenticeship Registrations |
|
|
Total as of end of December |
|
|
Construction |
1676 |
|
Brick and Stonelaying |
72 |
|
Carpentry and Joinery |
713 |
|
Geo Driller |
8 |
|
Painting and Decorating |
23 |
|
Plastering |
31 |
|
Plumbing |
792 |
|
Scaffolding |
29 |
|
Stonecutting and Stonemasonry |
8 |
|
Electrical |
2800 |
|
Electrical |
2648 |
|
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
152 |
|
Engineering |
321 |
|
Engineering Services Management |
22 |
|
Equipment Systems Engineer |
5 |
|
Metal Fabrication |
252 |
|
Sheet Metalworking |
42 |
|
Grand Total |
4797 |
1040. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that he has taken to ensure that students from Northern Ireland are given access to the EU Erasmus study abroad programme despite Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1252/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the impact of travel restrictions during the pandemic, Erasmus funding through the British Council continued for Northern Ireland students to the end of current academic year. My officials have already been in touch with International Officers in Queens University Belfast and University of Ulster with a view to having revised mobility arrangements for students from Northern Ireland in place for August 2023.
Once the new procedures have been put in place, students will be advised accordingly.
1041. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will clarify in relation to the draft code of practice proposed for the ELE sector; if his Department or QQI will meet with private providers in advance of implementing any proposals (details supplied); if they will clarify any areas that may require explanation; and if he will clarify issues (details supplied). [1283/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) (Amendment) Act 2019 contains a number of legislative provisions which are aimed at strengthening the quality framework for the provision of education to international learners in Ireland. These provisions include the introduction of the International Education Mark (IEM), a new national quality mark designed to protect the interests of international students in Ireland and ensure a quality and consistent learning experience. The IEM is grounded on existing quality assurance infrastructures and it is enhanced by new statutory codes of practice for higher education and English language education providers.
The codes of practice include requirements related to areas such as the capacity to implement robust quality assurance and to deliver coherent education programmes, ethical marketing and recruitment practices, transparent and accurate information provision, and academic and pastoral supports. Furthermore, higher education providers must have their awards included on the National Framework of Qualifications. English Language education providers must also comply with the new statutory English language education quality assurance guidelines, which include areas such as programme design, academic management and staff recruitment and training.
The IEM is further underpinned by new statutory requirements for private education providers. These include compliance with due diligence requirements and an obligation to participate in a new national Learner Protection Fund which is designed to protect international students.
In November 2022 QQI launched a comprehensive suite of IEM White Paper documents for public consultation. The documents are as follows:
- Code of Practice for Provision of Programmes of English Language Education to International Learners
- Statutory Quality Assurance Guidelines for English Language Education
- Code of Practice for Provision of Programmes of Higher Education to International Learners
- Policy on Authorisation to Use the International Education Mark
The first three documents set out requirements for higher education and English language education providers who wish to apply for authorisation to use the IEM, and the final document outlines the overall policy on IEM authorisation. All relevant stakeholders were encouraged to provide feedback on these policy documents to QQI by 16th December 2022.
QQI has met with representative bodies of providers in both the higher education and English language education sectors and will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders in relation to the IEM.
The IEM specific areas referred to by the Deputy relate to the technical operation of the mark and are a matter for QQI. The provider in question should contact QQI directly to seek clarity on these matters.
1042. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration will be given to the granting of interest-free loans to students entering a graduate programme in medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1328/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have a role in relation to the terms and conditions of loans which might be offered by lenders to students for particular purposes. This is a matter between the relevant lenders and the students applying for such loans.
Neither does my Department have any plans to directly introduce a loan scheme for students of Graduate Entry Medicine. However, the Deputy may wish to be aware that the State already provides support for broadening access to Graduate Entry Medicine programmes through the part-subsidy of fees for EU students. This subsidy is paid to the higher education institutions via the Higher Education Authority.
The ‘Funding the Future’ funding and policy reform framework for higher education agreed by Government last May envisages a mixed funding model for higher education, comprising funding streams from the Exchequer, employer contributions and student contributions.
Within the framework of ‘Funding the Future’, my Department has been working to address the cost of provision of Graduate Entry Medicine by increasing the subsidy paid to higher education institutions. It has been agreed that the State contribution towards Graduate Entry Medicine places will gradually be increased over a multi-annual period from a rate of €11,950 per student in the 2021/22 academic year to a new rate of €14,500. The balance of fees, as determined by the institution attended, will remain payable by the student.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that students on Graduate Entry Medicine programmes may be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. 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.
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 information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
1043. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration will be given to allowing graduate students entering medicine to be treated as undergraduate students in order that they may be eligible for the SUSI grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1329/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraStudents pursuing graduate entry medicine (GEM) programmes do so as second-degree courses and consequently are not eligible for free fees funding or for student grants. Under the progression criteria of the Student Grant Scheme, a grant will not be paid to a student for a repeat period of study on the same course, or for a different course at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously.
The total level of fees charged to graduate entry medicine students is a matter for the higher education institutions, consistent with the principle of their institutional autonomy, and it is not open to my Department to intervene in the tuition fee policy of the institutions.
However, the State does provide support directly to higher education institutions for Graduate Entry Medicine programmes in order to widen access and assist the students pursuing these programmes. The balance of appropriate tuition fees, as determined by the institution, is payable by the student.
In July 2022, Government approved a proposal from my Department and the Department of Health to increase the number of medicine places per annum by 200 by 2026, and move the funding of medicine places to a more sustainable basis. This has included an increase of 60 places in 2022/2023; 55 of these places are on direct entry programmes, and five are Graduate Entry Medicine. For new Graduate Entry Medicine places, the State contribution will increase to €14,500 (from the current level of €11,950). For existing places, an increase in the State contribution will be phased in to this level. This measure is designed to strengthen the sustainability of funding of Graduate Entry Medicine places and to increase the number of places on offer to Irish/EU students.
The National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education (NAP) identifies target groups that are currently under-represented in higher education. These include entrants from socio-economic groups that have low participation in higher education who would not have considered attending higher education without such supports. The Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Fund is the funding mechanise established to implement the National Access Plan (NAP). There are three strands to the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH). Strand 2 provides bursaries (1916 Bursary) to students who have been identified by their higher education institution as being the most socio-economically disadvantaged students in the target groups under the National Access Plan. I have recently changed the rules so that students who hold a 1916 Bursary may continue their bursary if they wish to participate in Graduate Entry Medicine.
Students on graduate entry medicine courses may also be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. The SAF guidelines provide that students with a previous higher education qualification at the same NFQ level, or who, in the past, attended higher education without ultimately obtaining a qualification, may be considered for support on a case-by-case basis and subject to available funding. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
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 information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
1044. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration will be given to increasing the number of places in third level institutions for medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1330/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD and I jointly announced an agreement with the Irish medical schools to increase the number of places available for EU students by 200 over the next five years. The agreement reached with the medical schools began with an additional 60 EU students in September 2022, climbing to 120 in September 2023, and up to 200 by 2026.
My Department remains committed to delivering substantial further increases in healthcare training places in third level colleges. Healthcare programmes are by their nature complex in delivery. In particular, securing appropriate long-term placements and placement supports is a key element in unlocking additional provision. It is also crucial that any increases in places are introduced in a sustainable way, so that higher education institutions can build appropriate staffing capacity.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has recently sought expressions of interest (EOIs) from higher education institutions interested in building capacity in Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary from academic year 2024/25 or 2025/26.
The HEA has informed my Department that 39 expressions of interest have been received. Of these, 20 institutions have proposed to deliver new courses, and 19 institutions are proposing to expand on existing courses in the selected disciplines. Overall, responses represent a rapid, nationwide engagement with the call. My Department will continue to engage regularly with the Department of Health, the HSE, the Higher Education Authority and the higher education sector to identify where additional places can and should be provided in the higher education system.
1045. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the application process to join CERN; and the timeline for when it will be completed (details supplied). [1363/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November last year, I indicated in Dáil Éireann that my Department will prepare a submission for Government to consider joining CERN. In order to ensure appropriate due diligence, this memo for government can be expected by the second quarter of 2023.
Officials from my Department are now liaising with CERN regarding the total cost of membership, the application process and membership options. 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.
My Department will 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.
1046. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific delegated functions that have been transferred to Ministers of State appointed in December 2022, in tabular form; and the date of transfer. [1471/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2022 Niall Collins, T.D. was appointed as Minister of State with special responsibility for Skills and Further Education at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. While no Order has yet been made regarding the delegation of functions, Minister Collins undertakes a range of work as Minister of State at the Department, including on issues in relation to apprenticeships and further education and training.
