Written Answers Nos. 2039-2058
2039. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting placement under the fair deal scheme as of 1 September 2023 or latest date available; the average waiting time; if he will provide in tabular form for each local health area the number of persons currently awaiting placement under the scheme; and the length of time waiting. [39456/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
2040. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to establish a centre of excellence for ADHD; the cost of these plans; the services it would provide; when it would be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39457/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
2041. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding the Technological University Development Fund; the proposed successor to the Technological University Transformation (TUT) Fund; if this fund will be made available in advance of the expiration of the TUTF Fund on 31 August 2023; the level of funding; if the TUs who merged more recently will be treated equally with the TUs who merged earlier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37260/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 20 July I launched the new €50 million fund Technological Sector Advancement Fund (TSAF) as the successor to previous HE Landscape and Transformation Funds and in addition to the EU-funded National Recovery and Resilience Plan N-TUTORR project, and the TU Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise scheme (TU RISE), which is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. The aim of the TSAF is to advance the strategic development of the technological sector.
The new fund, will be managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and will make a contribution towards the costs of maintaining or initiating new activities that are central to relevant institutions in the sector delivering on their mission and strategic plans. A key objective of TSAF is to support institutions to mainstream activities commenced under previous funding streams dedicated to the transformation of the technological sector. TSAF will also make provision for initiatives relating to further landscape reform.
Details of the fund and the call for proposals are available on the HEA website with the closing date for applications being 19 October. The HEA will conduct appraisal and notification processes in Q4 2023 with a view to grants being made in December with a formal commencement date of 1 January 2024. The TSAF will run until the end of June 2026.
Eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) comprise the five Technological Universities along with Dundalk Institute of Technology and Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology. These HEIs may apply for a grant contribution towards the costs of maintaining and mainstreaming existing activities or to initiate new activities that are of strategic importance to the success of the institution. The fund will also make provision for initiatives relating to further landscape reform.
It is important to note that the higher education and research system is successful by virtue of its diversity, within and across regions. Each eligible HEI is distinctive by nature of strategy, location, scale, mission and stage of development. TSAF funding will be allocated by the HEA in a managed fashion in response to requests under the call for funding proposals from eligible HEIs taking account of these factors and based on stated and evidenced institutional needs.
In addition, eligible HEIs may also make a combined application in relation to funding at a sectoral level and such applications are being actively encouraged. Participation in such a sectoral application for funding does not preclude an institution from applying for institutional-level funding across categories including change management and integration, people and culture, data and systems, engagement, students and system coherence, reform and consolidation.
2042. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding a response to the Labour Court recommendation with regard to aligning adult education tutors in the ETB sector to a pay scale of an existing grade, recognition of service, and pay during holiday periods in order that they do not have to sign up for social welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37331/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing discussions between the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Department of Education, which retains regulatory responsibility for the ETB sector, and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform a proposal in response to the recommendation of the Labour Court regarding adult education tutors was agreed.
The proposal is to establish a grade of Adult Educator with a standardised pay scale aligned with the Youthreach Resource Person Scale. This grade will apply to tutors employed in ETBs to deliver FET programmes, who are currently employed under a variety of terms and conditions.
The provision of a pay scale will allow for incremental progression and a career path for tutors in the further education and training sector.
A formal offer has been issued to the relevant Unions and both sides are now engaging on the operational aspects of the offer.
2043. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason for current expenditure running €231 million behind profile, as outlined in the Mid-Year Expenditure Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37480/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are significant timing-related issues underlying the lower than profiled expenditure for the year to date position at end quarter two. The underspend on B4 - Grants to Universities, IOTs & TUs makes up the greater part of the Department’s underspend and is due to timing differences where funding drawdowns do not align to profiles set at the beginning of the year. This arose from an extension granted to higher education institutions for the submission of claims for tuition free fees to the Higher Education Authority. This extension was awarded to allow for the reconciliation of a once-off €1,000 student contribution allocation along with other factors, including additional student places returns, in the tuition free fees reconciliation process. Expenditure has subsequently realigned to profile and allocation is expected to be spent in full at year end. Expenditure is being closely monitored and will be reported quarterly to Government and to the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform on a monthly basis.
2044. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider providing support for student physiotherapists studying in Lithuania due to the shortage of physiotherapists in this country and places to train; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37513/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible 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.
In relation to support available for students studying abroad, the Student Grant Scheme provides maintenance grants to eligible undergraduate students pursuing approved courses in other EU Member States. In general, an approved undergraduate course in this context is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in another EU Member State or the UK.
Officials from my Department have been regularly engaging with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to ascertain possible expansion on existing programmes from 2023, including in the health and social care professions. The HEIs have identified a range of places and the Department of Health have recently given a written commitment to my Department as to the availability of the corresponding clinical placements required to provide these places.
Since July 2022, an additional 15 Physiotherapy places were created: 9 in 2022 and 6 in 2023.
Following engagement between Queens University and Ulster University, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Departments of Health, both North and South, 50 places will be available in therapy disciplines in Ulster University – 20 places in occupational therapy and physiotherapy, and 10 places in speech and language therapy. The places in Northern Ireland have been secured on a one-year basis.
In June of this year, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD and Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue TD announced a number of options to expand third level places for healthcare and veterinary medicine. The Higher Education Authority process found that, with investment, an additional 208 doctors, 692 nurses, 196 pharmacists, 63 dentists and 230 vets could potentially be trained annually. This expansion is being considered in the context of Budgetary Processes and the National Development Plan review. A similar process is expected to be conducted with regard to the therapy disciplines later this year.
The Deputy may wish to note that tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax office or from the Revenue Commissioners at www.revenue.ie.
2045. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the Government has any plans to address the fees that must be paid for graduate medicine courses and the absence of a loan facility for these courses from the pillar banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37622/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn terms of Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) tuition fees, the total level of fees charged to GEM students is a matter for the higher education institutions (HEIs), consistent with the principle of their institutional autonomy. It is not open to my Department to intervene in the tuition fee policy of the institutions.
The Deputy may be aware that the State currently provides a subsidy to HEIs towards the cost of provision for EU student places. The tuition fees payable by the student are determined by the HEIs taking the availability of this subsidy into account.
In the academic year 21/22 the state contribution was €11,950 per student with the balance of fees payable by the student. Budget 2023 saw a significant increase in the amount the State pays for medicine places, including graduate entry. The state contribution towards graduate entry places will be increased in phases so that by 2026 all graduate entry places will be funded by the state at €14,500 with additional fees as determined by the university payable by the student.
My Department provides bursaries to students who have been identified by their higher education institution as being the most socio-economically disadvantaged students under the National Access Plan. Students who avail of certain bursaries will now be allowed to retain them, if they choose to enter GEM programmes. This is a welcome development and will also help diversify the profession.
On 12th July 2022 the Minister for Health and I 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 will begin with an additional 60 EU students in September 2022, climbing to 120 in September 2023, and up to 200 by 2026. This marks a significant expansion in the number of places available to students applying through the CAO system. It increases the opportunities for students to progress to study medicine in Ireland and to help us build our talent pipeline.
As you may be aware, I have recently published a cost of education options paper which sets out options for further enhancement of student supports for consideration as part of the budgetary process in the autumn.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that students on GEM 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.
2046. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason the criteria for the special rate SUSI payment exclude families who are not receiving a long-term social welfare payment, even if their income is below the €25,000 threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37640/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Student Grant Scheme is targeted at those students who are most in need of financial assistance and the Special Rate of grant is a key tool in targeting student grant assistance at the cohort of students who are most in need.
The qualifying criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant in the 2023 Student Grant Scheme are as follows:
(i) The student must qualify for the standard rate of grant (i.e. the 100% grant);
(ii) Total reckonable income in the reference year, after income disregards and Child Dependant Increase(s) are excluded, must not exceed €25,000; and
(iii) As at 31st December 2022, the reckonable income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments prescribed in the Student Grant Scheme.
The special rate of grant in the Student Grant Scheme has, as a matter of long-standing policy, been targeted at applicants who are the dependents of people receiving long-term welfare payments, where the relevant eligibility criteria are met.
The report of the Action Group on Access to Third Level Education made detailed recommendations concerning the introduction of special rates of maintenance grants for disadvantaged students. The rationale for the special rate is that it is targeted at those who are "most in need", which the report identified as child dependents of people receiving long-term social welfare payments, where other necessary conditions are fulfilled.
Accordingly, to effectively target this cohort, the income threshold for the special rate of grant is strategically aligned with the highest Department of Social Protection rate, which is the maximum point of the weekly State Contributory Pension plus the maximum Qualified Adult Allowance for a person over 66 years, in order to target students from households in receipt of long term social welfare assistance effectively. The income threshold for the special rate of grant is being increased from €24,500 to €25,000 for the 2023 Scheme to keep in line with increases in the old age pension.
I have recently made additional improvements to the special rate of grant. The special rate of grant payment itself was increased as part of Budget 2023, with the rate already changing in the 2022/23 academic year. In January 2022, the special rate of grant increased to a non-adjacent rate of €6,971 (up from €6,115) or the adjacent rate of €2,936 (up from €2,575).
Additionally, increments for the number of dependent children in the family and the number of additional persons in the household in further or higher education are also being extended in the 2023 Scheme so that they now also apply to the special rate, bringing it in line with all other rates. This change will create consistency across the Scheme and will give a greater level of flexibility where a student may be working and the family income is just over the threshold or where a household is just over the limit but may have 2 children or more in college.
The eligibility criteria for student grants are reviewed annually by the Department and approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. All proposals made in relation to education expenditure, including student grants, are considered in the context of the annual Budget.
2047. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding support options, if any, available to students who wish to study medicine via the graduate entry pathway. [37801/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn terms of Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) tuition fees, the total level of fees charged to GEM students is a matter for the higher education institutions (HEIs), consistent with the principle of their institutional autonomy. It is not open to my Department to intervene in the tuition fee policy of the institutions.
The Deputy may be aware that the State currently provides a subsidy to HEIs towards the cost of provision for EU student places. The tuition fees payable by the student are determined by the HEIs taking the availability of this subsidy into account.
In the academic year 21/22 the state contribution was €11,950 per student with the balance of fees payable by the student. Budget 2023 saw a significant increase in the amount the State pays for medicine places, including graduate entry. The state contribution towards graduate entry places will be increased in phases so that by 2026 all graduate entry places will be funded by the state at €14,500 with additional fees as determined by the university payable by the student.
My Department provides bursaries to students who have been identified by their higher education institution as being the most socio-economically disadvantaged students under the National Access Plan. Students who avail of certain bursaries will now be allowed to retain them, if they choose to enter GEM programmes. This is a welcome development and will also help diversify the profession.
On 12th July 2022 the Minister for Health and I 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 will begin with an additional 60 EU students in September 2022, climbing to 120 in September 2023, and up to 200 by 2026. This marks a significant expansion in the number of places available to students applying through the CAO system. It increases the opportunities for students to progress to study medicine in Ireland and to help us build our talent pipeline.
As you may be aware, I have recently published a cost of education options paper which sets out options for further enhancement of student supports for consideration as part of the budgetary process in the autumn.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that students on GEM 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.
2048. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in respect of the financial pressures on medical graduates if there is any consideration being given to expanding supports in this area ahead of budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37807/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn terms of Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) tuition fees, the total level of fees charged to GEM students is a matter for the higher education institutions (HEIs), consistent with the principle of their institutional autonomy. It is not open to my Department to intervene in the tuition fee policy of the institutions.
The Deputy may be aware that the State currently provides a subsidy to HEIs towards the cost of provision for EU student places. The tuition fees payable by the student are determined by the HEIs taking the availability of this subsidy into account.
In the academic year 21/22 the state contribution was €11,950 per student with the balance of fees payable by the student. Budget 2023 saw a significant increase in the amount the State pays for medicine places, including graduate entry. The state contribution towards graduate entry places will be increased in phases so that by 2026 all graduate entry places will be funded by the state at €14,500 with additional fees as determined by the university payable by the student.
My Department provides bursaries to students who have been identified by their higher education institution as being the most socio-economically disadvantaged students under the National Access Plan. Students who avail of certain bursaries will now be allowed to retain them, if they choose to enter GEM programmes. This is a welcome development and will also help diversify the profession.
On 12th July 2022 the Minister for Health and I 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 will begin with an additional 60 EU students in September 2022, climbing to 120 in September 2023, and up to 200 by 2026. This marks a significant expansion in the number of places available to students applying through the CAO system. It increases the opportunities for students to progress to study medicine in Ireland and to help us build our talent pipeline.
As you may be aware, I have recently published a cost of education options paper which sets out options for further enhancement of student supports for consideration as part of the budgetary process in the autumn.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that students on GEM 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.
2049. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is considering the continuation of the €1,000 State financial support towards the student contribution fee for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year; if not, the additional support measures he is considering for third level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37819/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2023, the Government introduced a range of measures to support people with the cost of living. This included a once-off reduction of €1,000 in the student contribution rate payable by students eligible for free tuition fees under the Free Fees Initiative for academic year 2022/23.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that, in addition to the once-off cost of living measures introduced in Budget 2023, I was 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, a new grant of €500 towards the undergraduate student contribution payable by free fees eligible undergraduate students is now available. I also increased the income limit for students to avail of the 50% student contribution grant.
In advance of Budget 2024, and as I did last year, I published an options paper setting out various possible measures to address the cost of education. I am doing this in order to facilitate public discussion on the various choices available to amend student supports. I will have regard to these options, including any options in respect of providing additional tuition fee supports when making proposals in the context of Budget discussions.
2050. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has plans to reduce the substantial financial burden on graduate entry medical students as part of his proposals in the context of budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37823/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn terms of Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) tuition fees, the total level of fees charged to GEM students is a matter for the higher education institutions (HEIs), consistent with the principle of their institutional autonomy. It is not open to my Department to intervene in the tuition fee policy of the institutions.
The Deputy may be aware that the State currently provides a subsidy to HEIs towards the cost of provision for EU student places. The tuition fees payable by the student are determined by the HEIs taking the availability of this subsidy into account.
In the academic year 21/22 the state contribution was €11,950 per student with the balance of fees payable by the student. Budget 2023 saw a significant increase in the amount the State pays for medicine places, including graduate entry. The state contribution towards graduate entry places will be increased in phases so that by 2026 all graduate entry places will be funded by the state at €14,500 with additional fees as determined by the university payable by the student.
My Department provides bursaries to students who have been identified by their higher education institution as being the most socio-economically disadvantaged students under the National Access Plan. Students who avail of certain bursaries will now be allowed to retain them, if they choose to enter GEM programmes. This is a welcome development and will also help diversify the profession.
On 12th July 2022 the Minister for Health and I 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 will begin with an additional 60 EU students in September 2022, climbing to 120 in September 2023, and up to 200 by 2026. This marks a significant expansion in the number of places available to students applying through the CAO system. It increases the opportunities for students to progress to study medicine in Ireland and to help us build our talent pipeline.
As you may be aware, I have recently published a cost of education options paper which sets out options for further enhancement of student supports for consideration as part of the budgetary process in the autumn.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that students on GEM 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.
2051. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average wait time for an apprentice to enter each of the taught phases, by county, in tabular form. [38004/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra2052. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices who have worked the required hours but are awaiting placement in an educational institute, by phase and county, in tabular form. [38005/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra2053. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to report on delays in Solas in providing block release for electrician apprenticeships in the Cork city area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38053/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2051 to 2053, inclusive, together.
Under the Further Education and Training Act (2013), SOLAS has statutory responsibility for planning, funding, and co-ordinating Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland.
My officials have referred your query to SOLAS where the information requested is presently being compiled. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
2054. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views regarding pay rises for teachers on a tutor contract (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38062/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile tutors are generally paid in line with the unqualified teacher rate, and therefore have been in receipt of building momentum pay rises, there are differences in pay arrangements in some ETBs. For example, some ETBs pay the self-financing rate for tutors which do not increase under national pay agreements.
As this situation has come to light my Department, the Department of Education and Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform are seeking to regularise the situation. This is being considered in conjunction to the finalisation of a proposal in response to the recommendation of the Labour Court regarding adult education tutors which has been provided to the relevant Unions. The proposal is that a grade of Adult Educator will be formally established with a standardised payscale aligned with the Youthreach Resource Person Scale.
2055. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a DARE application for admission to third level education can be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38074/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is operated by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) on behalf of the higher education institutions who set the policy criteria for the scheme. Further information on IUA is available on www.iua.ie.
Applications to the scheme are submitted to the Central Applications Office (CAO) who coordinate the scheme for participating institutions. Therefore it does not come within the remit of my Department and it is not open to my Officials to intervene in individual cases.
DARE uses a Review and Appeals process to make sure that all DARE applicants are treated fairly and the assessment procedures have been applied consistently. Further information on the Review and Appeals process is available at: accesscollege.ie/dare/review-appeals/
Any applicant made ineligible for DARE will have been informed in writing via email and via their CAO portal. They are also informed of the Review and Appeals process. An applicant may contact the CAO, www.cao.ie through the ‘contact us’ facility where the DARE coordinator will respond directly and advise appropriately.
2056. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices, by phase, in County Tipperary, in tabular form. [38077/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by Deputy Kelly is set out at the link.
2057. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what supports are available to a person (details supplied) to attend further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38176/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support available to assist postgraduate students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved full-time course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
With regard to the specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the student outlined by the Deputy submitted an application to SUSI for the 2023/2024 academic year and was refused based on her household income exceeding the threshold for grant funding for postgraduate studies. The student was advised of this decision by letter on 21st June 2023. The student did not appeal this decision.
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. 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
2058. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will advise the engagement his Department has had on its role in revitalising the Irish wool industry; if he has engaged with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on this focus from an education and training perspective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38265/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department engages on a continuous basis with all stakeholders across our skills ecosystem, seeking to prioritise and strengthen Ireland's overall system of skill provision to ensure it has the agility and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities in the skills and workforce development landscape, as well as the needs of learners themselves. This focus is underpinned by the detailed and comprehensive OECD Report on Ireland's Skills Strategy published on 9th May.
This agility and flexibility is further underscored by responsiveness to priority industry and enterprise workforce needs under key policy initiatives such as, for example; the Action Plan for Apprenticeship; Funding the Future; the Green Skills for FET Roadmap; and the National Digital Strategy, Harnessing Digital. The establishment of the National Apprenticeship Office has also been a welcome and positive step towards providing hands-on training and learning experiences across an increasing number of industries.
In that regard, I and my Department welcome the research commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine last year which reviewed market opportunities for the Irish wool industry. That report highlighted a number of programs and education and training opportunities for the industry. Currently, programs such as Wool in School, aims to increase awareness of Irish Grown Wool and its production within schools and other educational facilities.
That report also highlighted extensive funding options available to the industry to support and enhance education and training opportunities within the sector. Of these, Skillnet Ireland are funded by my Department through the National Training Fund to deliver upskilling and education opportunities across the workforce.
Skillnet Ireland partnerships exist with numerous industry bodies, in addition to the Skillnet Ireland Business Networks which cover most industry sectors across Ireland, and all businesses seeking to enhance skills development in their industry are encouraged to engage with the relevant network and avail of the many options available to support them.
For example, Rural Enterprise Skillnet offer training programmes which are specially designed to support enterprise-led training, adding value and profitability to businesses enterprises and providing opportunities for information exchange. Rural Enterprise Skillnet currently provide subsidised Sheep Shearing Training in three locations across the North West of Ireland, with industry recognised certification and clear pathways of progression for learners.
Skillnet, my Department and I will continue this support and welcome further opportunities to work with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the sector in the future.
