Written Answers Nos. 471-495
471. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total cost of delivering each temporary modular unit; the number of temporary modular units being delivered and the total cost of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11180/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra482. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the cost of the provision of a modular unit for Ukrainian people, including the cost of construction, installation and complete finish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11588/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 471 and 482 together.
As the Deputy will be aware since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, 60151 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection have sought refuge in Ireland and are being provided with accommodation from the State.
In response to the crisis, the Government has sought to provide a range of accommodation solutions. As part of this considerable national effort, the Government has approved the construction of 700 rapid build homes on state owned land, which will aim to provide accommodation to 2800 individuals in family units.
The OPW is leading on the design, development and delivery of the programme. My Department is the Approving Authority for the Programme and has responsibility for the ownership of the homes and their future use.
The average cost of each of the rapid build homes is €145,000. This includes construction, transport and installation of the units.
Information on the full cost of the programme is currently subject to site enabling costs. Identification of sites to house the full 700 units is currently ongoing.
472. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on a proposal to use a property (details supplied) to provide emergency accommodation for persons seeking emergency protection; the number of persons planned to be located at this property; the gender and age breakdown of the persons that are to be located at this property; when it is expected that they will be located at the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11181/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, the Department Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has worked to accommodate an unprecedented volume of persons seeking refuge from the invasion of Ukraine, coming to over 75,000 people, of which over 55,000 have sought accommodation.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, the Department has contracted in excess of 43,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 720 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
I am advised by my officials that an offer in respect of the property referred to has not been formally submitted.
473. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of WTE staff by job title working for TUSLA dealing with applications for authentic birth information under the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022. [11194/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond directly to you on this matter.
474. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation or policies initiated by or originating in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11265/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently engaged in a review of the Equality Acts, including in relation to strengthening protections for transgender people. I will consider proposals that emerge from that process, including in relation to gender-related language. I anticipate legislative proposals arising from the review to be brought forward this year.
475. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can clarify in relation to the operation of Ireland's community sponsorship programme for refugees led by the Irish refugee protection programme, the reason communities seeking to welcome refugees via this programme must first fundraise €10,000; if any consideration has been given to ensuring that such funding is provided by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11290/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Sponsorship Ireland model began as a pilot scheme in December 2018. Following this successful pilot, the Government launched the initiative nationally as a mainstream programme in 2019.
Since then, 32 families have settled across a number of different rural and urban communities throughout Ireland.
As the Deputy is aware, Community Sponsorship Ireland (CSI) is an alternative resettlement stream to the traditional State-centred model. The model seeks to allow groups in a community setting to support refugees arriving in a Community Sponsorship Group (CSG). This is an essential part of the Government's overall resettlement programme.
Under the Programme, there are four Regional Support Organisations (RSOs) that have the role to oversee the recruitment, support, coordination and training of Community Sponsorship groups across 7 regions throughout Ireland and to promote Community Sponsorship at a local level. These ROSs are supported through exchequer and European Unions Asylum, Migration and Integration Funds
In advance of the placement of a family, Community Sponsorship Groups (CSGs) are required to demonstrate that they have a minimum of €10,000 on hand to support the sponsored family, of which a maximum of €2,000 may be in-kind contributions (e.g. a commitment given to provide professional interpretation services, English classes, childcare etc. free of charge). Groups are required to raise funds to demonstrate commitment, support the implementation of their settlement plan and cater for unexpected eventualities.
Given the community based focus of the programme, there are no plans on behalf of the Government to replace the well established and workable community fundraising opportunities that the programme provides.
I have no doubt that Community Sponsorship will continue to be an important strand in the resettlement of refugees and their integration into Irish communities.
476. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on work towards achieving the SDG targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11424/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a significant and ambitious framework. A whole-of-Government approach to its implementation has been taken in Ireland.
Ireland’s Second National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals, 2022 – 2024 was published in October 2022. The Plan was developed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in collaboration with all Government Departments, key stakeholders, and based on input from two public consultation processes. A key objective of the Plan is to achieve greater policy coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD) with the aim of accelerating achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at all levels of Government.
The Plan is supplemented by two supporting documents: an SDG policy map which identifies the lead Departments and relevant national policies for each of the 169 SDG targets; and a Policy Update document which provides policy updates for each of the SDG targets. These documents are available at www.gov.ie/sdgs
The Central Statistics Office, in collaboration with all Government Departments, has prepared as series of statistical publications which monitor and report on how Ireland is progressing towards meeting its targets under the 17 SDGs. Reports are available for SDGs 1 – 16 and can be found on the central statistics website.
Ireland will present its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in July 2023. The VNR report will comprise a high-level data section and a more detailed appendix reporting on progress in respect of achieving the SDGs and related targets. My Department has contributed to this review in respect of our areas of responsibility.
My Department is currently progressing plans to integrate the SDGs into our upcoming Statement of Strategy 2023 – 2025. By aligning our Statement of Strategy with the Second National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals, we will ensure that the SDGs are a priority in all work carried out by this Department and our aegis bodies. DCEDIY continues to engage with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), who lead on SDG implementation, and sit on the Interdepartmental SDG Working Group chaired by DECC.
477. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will confirm whether a management company (details supplied) or IPAS are asking people with the right to remain to leave direct provision centres; if he will guarantee that these people will not be made homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11447/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) requesting Persons with Status in Clondalkin Towers Accommodation centre to leave IPAS accommodation centres, I can confirm that no such targeted request has been made.
Unfortunately due to the current shortfall in accommodation there are over 200 international protection applicants (IPAs) that IPAS has been unable to accommodate.
As of end of February 2023, there were 5,048 persons with status/right to remain in IPAS accommodation. This refers to a person with refugee status or subsidiary protection or persons with a Stamp 4 permission to remain in the State. It is important that they move out of IPAS accommodation as quickly as possible so that those who are currently unaccommodated can be offered accommodation.
People residing in IPAS accommodation who are no longer IPAs and who have been granted an international protection status (refugee status or subsidiary protection status) or a permission to remain, are entitled to the same access to housing supports and services as Irish and EEA nationals. There are a number of supports available to persons with status to assist in accessing housing in the community when leaving accommodation centres.
My Department has a specific team in IPAS who work in collaboration with DePaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the County and City Management Association and Local Authorities to collectively support residents with status/permission to remain, to move on from IPAS accommodation and to access housing options.
In addition to assisting with housing applications, both DePaul Ireland and the Peter McVerry Trust support the person’s integration into the community as fully as possible. This includes providing information about vocational and training courses, such as suitability, locations and eligibility, CV preparation and aid with medical issues, should they arise.
IPAS encourages people with status in these centres to cooperate with the services to assist in their transition into the community.
I trust this clarifies the matter Deputy.
478. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the capital costs associated with establishing a brand new family resource centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11458/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme which provides funding support to 121 FRCs across the country. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy. I should inform the Deputy that the funding from my Department represents only a portion of the total funding available to FRCs nationally. FRCs draw on various sources of funding provided by other Government Departments and Agencies. Tusla does not have a dedicated budget for capital or building works for third party organisations. I recognise and value the very positive impact of the work of the Family Resource Centres in supporting families and local communities. The Centres provide a holistic service of child, family and community support and advocacy to all children and families in their community. This universal accessibility allows for early identification of need, provision of appropriate interventions, and timely referrals to appropriate services for more intensive and targeted work as required.
479. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the Government will implement the optional protocol of the United Nations Convention on Persons with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11489/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) on 20 March 2018. This marked an important milestone in a process to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities in Ireland that has gathered momentum since Ireland became a signatory to the Convention in 2007.
Ireland's approach to meeting the obligations of the UNCRPD is one of continuous advancement - each year moving forward on key reforms to consistently strengthen and uphold obligations and rights arising from the Convention.
As Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, I recognise the importance of the Optional Protocol to the UNCRPD. As the Deputy will be aware, the Optional Protocol is an international treaty that establishes procedures aimed at strengthening the implementation and monitoring of the Convention, and both I and my colleagues across Government support this fully.
Ratification of the Optional Protocol is a commitment in the Programme for Government. The timeline for ratification was originally anticipated to follow the conclusion of Ireland’s first review period before the UN Committee.
Due to delays at UN level, Ireland’s appearance before the Committee will now be delayed. Due to this delay, both the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman and I have indicated that we are open to the earlier ratification of the Optional Protocol.
My Department is continuing to scope out the requirements for earlier ratification. This scoping work is required due to the long-standing position of the state in relation to honouring international agreements. As a matter of foreign policy, Ireland does not enter into binding international treaties until we are confident that the obligations set out within can be complied with. As such, the ongoing scoping exercise is procedurally necessary.
While I am not yet in a position to give an exact date for ratification, it is a priority for me to ensure that the Optional Protocol is ratified at the earliest possible date.
480. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on plans to ensure that those with disabilities who are living in nursing homes can be supported to move out of the older-people-care setting to more appropriate facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11492/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that nursing homes can, at times, be appropriate care options where the person concerned has a clinically assessed complex medical and social care requirement that cannot be supported in the person’s home.
Nonetheless, for some people under the age of 65 years, nursing homes are not an appropriate setting, and alternative, more sustainable supported living solutions are needed to give them greater independence and choice in their daily lives.
There is a commitment to reduce and provide a pathway to eliminate the practice of inappropriately accommodating young people with serious disabilities in nursing homes and to facilitate where appropriate, people under 65s who wish to live elsewhere. Additional funding has been provided in recent budgets to enable the HSE to work with people under 65 years to this end.
In response to the Ombudsman’s report, the HSE is co-ordinating a programme of work to review and implement the report’s recommendations for which the HSE has accountability.
A national Implementation Steering Committee (ISC) has been established. The aims of this steering committee are to; oversee the implementation of the recommendations set out in the Ombudsman’s report, provide a level of assurance regarding the health, safety and dignity of residents aged under 65 years living in nursing home settings, and, ensure the efficient transition to alternative care settings where appropriate.
To support the programme of work and address the recommendations, a programme office was established and an implementation team formed. This team has been divided into 5 work streams:
1. Quality of life and model of Service development
2. Funding and personal finances
3. Services access and navigation
4. Informed consent policy and human rights
5. NH U65 survey (previously SRF project)
Work has commenced under each of these workstreams.
Moving forward in Q1 2023, the HSE advises that it will be working with the Ombudsman to produce an interim report on the HSE’s overall progress and specific progress against the recommendations.
I am informed by the HSE that up to end December, 22 people transitioned from Nursing Homes to homes of their choosing in the community in 2022. These transitions have been to own home (adapted), family home (adapted), new council house (adapted) and specialised residential services. The CHO teams are working on delivering further placements this year.
In addition to supporting individuals who wish to transition into the community, the HSE are also funding enhanced quality of life supports for individuals who through either will and preference and/or assessment of need will be continuing their placement in the Nursing Home. For these individuals, the aim of these supports is, to improve the daily life of these younger people, while they are still in a nursing home or to help them prepare for a future transition.
481. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he expects the publication of a report (details supplied); the steps being taken by the Government to ensure that this report is published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11515/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that I wrote to St John Ambulance to seek information about the publication of the report on 12th December 2022. St John Ambulance replied on 23rd December and confirmed that they had received a completed report from Dr Shannon. The Commissioner of St John Ambulance stated that the organisation was committed to publishing the full report immediately after the relevant legal review had taken place. The Commissioner further informed me that the legal review of the report was underway and that St John Ambulance was committed to completing this process in a timely manner.
The Commissioner stated that he would write again to me in the New Year with a publication date for the report. The Department has also informed Tusla of the expected publication of the report. Tusla officials have liaised with St John Ambulance regarding safeguarding measures now in place in this organisation.
I wrote again to St John Ambulance on 26th January 2023 seeking an update regarding the expected publication date of the report. I can confirm that neither this Department nor Tusla, the Child and Family agency has had sight of the Independent report by Dr. Shannon. St John Ambulance continues to complete its due diligence process. The organisation has advised that they are engaging with the victims/ survivors through their appointed independent review panel, which is chaired by Dr. Shannon, around the process of the report’s publication and that this engagement is underway at present.
St John Ambulance is not a body under the aegis of my Department however in my capacity as Minister with responsibility for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, I have encouraged St John Ambulance to engage with Tusla and with the independent review process.
483. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total amount of funding provided under the youth service grant scheme for each of the years 2008 to 2023 inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11618/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding provided under the Youth Service Grant Scheme for the period 2008 to 2023 is outlined in the following table:
Youth Service Grant Scheme Total Allocation 2008 to 2023
|
2023 |
€13,402,066 |
|
2022 |
€12,911,600 |
|
2021 |
€12,261,538 |
|
2020 |
€11,563,368 |
|
2019 |
€11,126,379 |
|
2018 |
€10,658,170 |
|
2017 |
€10,651,765 |
|
2016 |
€10,148,979 |
|
2015 |
€9,388,097 |
|
2014 |
€10,469,583 |
|
2013 |
€10,336,523 |
|
2012 |
€11,051,302 |
|
2011 |
€11,444,311 |
|
2010 |
€12,326,918 |
|
2009 |
€12,572,577 |
|
2008 |
€13,606,135 |
484. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of the living conditions for residents of the Richmond Street emergency accommodation centre (details supplied); and if he plans to remedy these issues on an urgent basis. [11621/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, I can assure you that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by this Department is of the highest priority to myself and my officials.
All International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres conduct resident welfare/consultative clinics and there was one such clinic scheduled at the Croke Park (Richmond St) IPAS emergency accommodation centre on 28 February 2023.
The IPAS Customer Service Team conducted the clinic and the aim of the clinic was make IPAS staff available to residents to discuss any issues they may have on a one-to-one basis. Residents attending the clinic were able to raise their concerns. The clinic also allowed IPAS staff to examine the centre’s general operation and address residents’ issues with centre management.
The main issues raised were in relation to WIFI availability, poor lighting, laundry of bed clothes and availability of toiletries.
All resident concerns were flagged with the centre management who confirmed the following:
Centre management is currently in negotiations with providers. Broadband/Wi-Fi access will be available as soon as a contract is finalised.
Centre management committed to ensuring that all bed clothes are washed weekly and a replacement set is given to applicants.
Cleaning services on site currently consists of two cleaning staff from 7am-11am and 11am-3pm. Cleaning supplies will also be available to residents.
In relation to heating, centre management confirmed that there is a new heating tank arriving this week and should resolve the issues raised.
Centre management will address the lighting issue. However, individual lamps cannot be provided so as to ensure adherence with fire regulations.
In regards to the issue with running water, no resident who presented themselves to IPAS raised this as a complaint and the centre management confirmed that there is no issue with running water.
In the first three days of the centre opening in November 2022, there was an issue which has since been addressed.
IPAS have followed up with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) to ensure that regular visits to the centre are maintained to provide administrative support to residents in relation to access to GPs and PPSNs. Please note that complaints relating to a lack of GP services should be directed to the local Community Health Organisation in the HSE.
In regards to cooking facilities, IPAS requested that the facilities be open longer so that the residents have more access to tea/coffee/snacks, microwaves, etc.. Centre management have agreed to this.
IPAS made centre management aware of the concerns of residents surrounding Ramadan. Centre management have confirmed that they met with residents and requested their traditional Ramadan food supplies and will ensure their availability.
In relation to availability of toiletries, centre management have confirmed that there are sufficient toiletries provided per person and that they will ensure regular re-stocking of toiletries.
The IPAS Customer Service team will visit the centre for a follow up clinic in mid-March.
485. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of 25 January 2023, if he will clarify a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11021/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe once-off reduction of €1,000 in the student contribution only applies to students who are eligible for free fees. As outlined in my response of 25 January, a key principle of the design of the free fees initiative 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 under the free fees initiative for a repeat period of study or for a different course at the same level.
The responsibility for determining whether or not a student is eligible for free fees, based on application of the criteria of the free fees initiative, lies with the higher education institution as an autonomous body. If a student is not eligible for free frees, they must pay the appropriate tuition rate determined by the institution, and the student contribution is not applicable. Where a student requires guidance or advice on the fee determination of the institute attended, they must contact the institution attended for advice. It is not possible for my Department to advise on the fee determinations of autonomous bodies.
However, recognising the financial difficulties faced by students who may not be eligible for other supports, I have significantly increased the allocation to the Student Assistance Fund to over €20 million for this academic year - the highest amount ever provided under this Fund. The Fund can provide assistance towards rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials for students experiencing financial difficulty. The Fund guidelines provide that students with a previous higher education qualification at the same 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. Information on the Fund is available through the Access Office in the higher education institution attended.
486. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of places available on SNA courses in Irish universities; and the number of graduates of these courses for each year they have run. [11084/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently there are no undergraduate programmes in Irish Universities leading to a qualification specifically to become a special needs assistant (SNA). Existing programmes to become trained as a SNA are typically at level 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and are conducted in the further education and training sector. The educational requirements to become a SNA are outlined in circular 0051/2019, available here.
The national online training programme for Special Needs Assistants, in UCD was developed for existing SNAs as continuous professional development, which aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and expertise of SNAs who are crucial to the inclusion of students with additional care needs in education. This is a pilot training programme which will inform the Department of Education ongoing policy considerations relating to future training options for SNAs.
The Department of Education advised that approximately 1,300 SNAs have completed the course to date and it is intended that the programme will be delivered to up to 3,500 SNAs over the four year scheme.
487. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11096/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
As per Article 14 (2) of the Student Grant Scheme 2022, a student is not eligible for a grant if they have been awarded or hold a grant, scholarship, prize, allowance or bursary which is made from public funds in the State, or equivalent from a Member State, the EEA or Swiss Confederation with the exception of awards from public funds listed at Article 14(3). Article 14 (4) states that a student will not be eligible for a fee grant or a postgraduate fee contribution if in receipt of any award mentioned in Article 14 (3) which includes a provision for fees.
With regard to the specific application, I have been advised by my officials that an ineligibility letter was issued from SUSI to the student in question on 27th January 2023 as they were in receipt of the President’s Scholarship from Mary Immaculate College which included a provision for fees.
The student subsequently appealed to SUSI and was turned down by the Appeals Officer on 21st February 2023 on the basis that the President’s Scholarship from Mary Immaculate College is a publicly funded scholarship which includes a provision for fees. In line with Article 14(4) of the Student Grant Scheme 2022, any student or tuition student in receipt of any award mentioned in paragraph (3) which includes a provision for fees will not be eligible for a fee grant or a postgraduate fee contribution under this Scheme.
I have been further advised by my officials that SUSI will contact the student in question to discuss whether or not it would be financially in her favour to return the fee part of the scholarship.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, 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. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student’s local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
488. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will clarify the plans for a third-level institution (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11138/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials have made enquiries with both Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB) and SOLAS regarding this matter. I can confirm that KETB has received approval to prepare a Preliminary Business Case for appraisal via the Public Spending Code to develop a College of the Future in Killarney. The associated Strategic Assessment Report, which led to this approval did not make reference to a Marine Institute.
489. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will confirm whether a €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee will be put in place for undergraduate students eligible for the free-fee scheme in the academic year 2023/2024, similar to what was introduced for these students in the academic year 2022/2023 as per Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11147/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra490. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will confirm whether consideration would be given to reducing the student contribution fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11148/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 489 and 490 together.
I am conscious of the cost of living challenges facing students and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address cost as a barrier to education.
As part of the 2022 cost of living response in the Budget, I prioritised the introduction of a significant package of measures to directly support students and their families. These measures included, for the 2022/23 academic year, a reduction in the student contribution payable by free fees eligible students. Eligible full time students are benefiting from a once off reduction in the student contribution rate of €1,000. Students eligible for a 50% student contribution grant support as paid by SUSI are benefitting proportionally and are seeing the amount they pay to their institution reduce from €1,500 to €1,000.
In addition to the once off cost-of-living measures, I was also very pleased to secure Government agreement to the introduction of a permanent new rate of student contribution support through SUSI from September 2023.
For students whose families have incomes between €62,000 and €100,000, there will be a new grant of €500 towards the undergraduate student contribution. I am also increasing the income limit for students to avail of the 50% student contribution grant. These measures mean that up to 50,000 extra students may be eligible for additional help towards paying the undergraduate student contribution.
The changes I am implementing will see a real, tangible and permanent reduction in costs for eligible students and clearly demonstrate the Government’s commitment to sustainably address cost as a barrier to education.
491. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation or policies initiated by or originating in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11272/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the values in my Department’s Statement of Strategy (SoS) is to treat our colleagues and those to whom we provide services equitably, in keeping with our Public Sector Human Rights and Equality obligations. The SoS advocates for equality and respect for all and seeks to ensure a safe, respectful, inclusive and collaborative working environment for all staff.
I have been advised that there are no specific actions that relate to the use of pronouns in the current National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021. However, one of the key objectives of the strategy is to support employees and employers to make all workplaces positive and inclusive environments for LGBTI+ people.
I understand that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) are in the process of developing a new LGBTI+ strategy. My Department is a member of the national LGBTI+ Steering Committee which oversees the implementation of the strategy and is working with the DCEDIY on the development of the new strategy.
The Deputy will be aware that the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel has responsibility for drafting Bills on behalf of the Government, and statutory instruments on behalf of the Government and Ministers of the Government. As such, my Department defers to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on the appropriate syntax to use when drafting legislation.
The Deputy may wish to note that the meaning and construction of gender words and expressions is provided for in the Interpretation Act 2005. Section 18(b) of the Act states that a “word importing the masculine gender shall be read as also importing the feminine gender”. It further provides that “a word importing the feminine gender shall be read as also importing the masculine gender” in respect of an Act passed on or after 22 December 1993.
My Department is in the process of developing an internal Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy which will be published later this year. This new strategy will align with the values of my Department as espoused in the Statement of Strategy. Issues such as the use of pronouns will be considered as part of the development of the strategy.
492. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is an underrepresentation of specific expertise from both academia and practice in the areas being reviewed by the recently appointed expert advisory panel to review opportunities for new programmes in dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, nursing and veterinary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11437/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Expressions of Interest is an independent process managed by the Higher Education Authority. As such, it is not appropriate for me to comment.
I am satisfied that as with all HEA processes, this process is being conducted to the highest standards and will be externally validated. This includes the expert advisory panel.
I understand from the HEA that the panel is comprised of representatives from Government Departments and regulatory and professional bodies that have direct professional experience and/or academic expertise in the relevant disciplines, or knowledge of the higher education system at a senior level.
The HEA will consider opportunities for new programme provision alongside options for current programme expansion, to determine a final list of options to present to me by the end of quarter one 2023.
493. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans he has to ensure all research staff grades have access to public service pensions in all higher education institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11457/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am firmly of the view that there should be universal access to public service pensions in all higher education institutions across the sector.
As such, my Department has been engaging positively with management bodies, the Department for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the Department of Education on a business case to support access to the single public service pension scheme for research staff who are not currently able to join the scheme.
This is a complex matter and is admittedly taking some time to resolve, but I wish to assure the Deputy that officials are working to achieve a resolution as soon as possible.
494. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has engaged with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to ensure there are adequate third level courses in areas needed for renewable energy such as floating wind turbines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11555/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe growth of the renewable energy sector is critical to meeting our Climate Action targets. The Government is committed to ensuring that the education and training system is appropriately positioned to support the growth and development of the skills required by this sector into the future.
In this context, my Department is participating on a cross-Departmental Offshore Wind Energy Taskforce established under the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to drive delivery and capture wider and longer term economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables in Ireland. This encompasses the workforce and skills requirements to underpin the development of Ireland’s offshore wind industry.
It is important that projected workforce requirements are informed by the expertise of the relevant sectoral, Departmental and industry experts, with my Department contributing based upon its responsibility to align the future output at third level education with such current and emerging workforce plans.
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) Skills for Zero Carbon report was published in November 2021. This report sets out the demand for skilled workers required to support the growth of renewable energy generation over the coming 10 year period. Engineers, electrical and electronics technicians, ecology and environmental experts among others will be required to support the development of this vital element of Ireland's move to a zero carbon economy. The Offshore Wind Energy Taskforce, through its focus on skills and workforce requirements, represents a structured response to the specific skills identified in this report.
The education and training sector is already working collaboratively with the wind industry to deliver on required skills needs across both further and higher education institutions, and important skills and workforce responses are already in place to meet the needs of the offshore wind sector. These include, for example, the Green Tech Skillnet, promoted by Wind Energy Ireland, the representative body for the Irish wind industry, and co-funded by Skillnet Ireland through my Department. The Skillnet delivers training to support the optimisation of renewables on the Irish grid in the short, medium, and long term through upskilling and management development in wind, solar and hydrogen technologies, from planning, construction, and maintenance training as well as business supports in human resources, marketing and finance.
In the Further Education and Training sector, there are currently a number of education and training opportunities established. Kerry ETB has developed the Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician apprenticeship programme which was launched in March 2022. Kerry ETB is the coordinating provider for this Level 6 three-year apprenticeship. This Apprenticeship is for people who wish to pursue a career in the maintenance of large scale commercial wind turbines. It is designed to meet the needs of the growing Irish renewable and sustainable energy sector. This apprenticeship will create a pathway into this career for school leavers or those who do not currently possess any relevant qualifications.
At higher education level, my Department supports a number of initiatives, through the National Training Fund, to enable us to meet the challenges and skills needs associated with the twin digital and green transitions. These include the Springboard+ initiative, focused on reskilling and upskilling in areas of identified skills need, and the Human Capital Initiative, which provides a range of programmes that seek to ensure that the higher education system as a whole responds to the constantly evolving skills needs of the economy.
In the 2022/23 academic year, there are a number of courses being delivered under Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1, Graduate Conversion Courses, with a focus on renewable energy, including offshore wind, and sustainability more broadly. These include a Postgraduate Diploma in Wind Energy at Dundalk Institute of Technology, funded through HCI Pillar 1; and a Masters of Engineering in Energy Infrastructure at Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, funded through Springboard+.
The HCI Pillar 1 Call 2023 invited HEIs to submit course proposals for funding for a range of areas, including full and part time courses in renewable energy, and specifically called for courses that related to offshore renewables – Planners for Offshore Renewable Energy; Marine Ecologists; and Grid Engineers. The call closed on February 2, 2023 and applications are under evaluation. Courses will commence in academic year 2023/2024.
My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communication and relevant partners in industry and the wider education sectors to achieve these goals.
495. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an outline of the total level of public funds spent by SOLAS towards an electronic marking system for adult and apprenticeship programmes; the progress of this project; the breakdown of this spend, detailing how much was allocated to a software company (details supplied) and other companies; the actual overall cost, inclusive of SOLAS working hours, travel and subsistence; if there is any decision on its future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11559/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought is currently being compiled by SOLAS and will be forwarded to the Deputy when complete.
The TENRCS system was originally designed by FAS to facilitate the recording and aggregation of test results and store summarized results in the RCCRS (Results Capture Certification Request) system for the purpose of onward submission to certifying bodies. At the time of its original development, the system operated and was dependent on what is now FAS legacy data infrastructure.
Following the establishment of the 16 Education and Training Boards, the data infrastructure involved was phased out and replaced by a new FET data infrastructure based around the a new Programme & Learner Support System (PLSS). Consideration is currently being given to any further development of the TENRCS system in light of the need to re-configure it to the new FET data infrastructure as well as other advances in technology and plans for the migration of craft apprenticeships as set out in the Apprenticeship Action Plan 2021-2025.
Original Tender Costs:
TENRCS - Development Costs €227,952
Annual Support €61,500
Re-Activation (changes) €111,192
Total €400,644
The total third party cost paid out to date is €400,644.
