Written Answers Nos. 792-813
792. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health for an update on the new primary care centre at Boot Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22; and the timeframe for the provision of full services at the centre. [10797/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
793. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 711 of 30 May 2023, for an update on the recruitment process to staff the primary care centre at Boot Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. [10798/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
794. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if changes to the fair deal scheme legislation are being considered to prevent a spouse denying or delaying their spouse's access to necessary full-time nursing home care; the progress in this area; if and when these changes will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10804/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFair Deal was designed to protect and support vulnerable older people, to ensure equal access to nursing home care based on what they could afford. This gives certainty to people and families. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost.
Government funding for Fair Deal is to support vulnerable older people at a time in their lives where full-time care is essential.
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009, the legislation which underpins the Fair Deal scheme, outlines in Part 2, Section 7 (6) the criteria which comprises the care needs assessment under the Act.
Those seeking to apply for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) must first complete a care needs assessment. The care needs assessment is used to identify the individual requirements and care needs of the applicant and includes evaluation of the applicant’s capacity to perform activities of daily living, their cognitive ability, the family and community support that is available as well as the applicant’s access to medical, health and personal social services being provided to or available both at the time of the carrying out of the assessment and generally. The Act also includes provision for any other matter that affects a person’s ability to care for himself or herself, and consideration of the likelihood of a material alteration in the person’s circumstances during their lifetime that could potentially inhibit their ability to care for themselves.
There are no provisions within the NHSS legislation to compel a person to enter long-term care, nor are there any plans to insert provisions of this nature into the existing Act.
In circumstances where a third party is delaying or denying access to care services appropriate to the needs of an older person, in order to ensure the safety and welfare of that older person if they are thought to be at risk, legal assistance, advocacy supports and/or the assistance of the Decision Support Service could potentially be considered.
795. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the proportion of international students to Irish students in the Royal College of Surgeons for the last five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9959/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table below. The data was sourced from the HEA Student Records System. The table shows the proportion of enrolments in the Royal College of Surgeons by their domicile group for the most recent five years available.
There has been substantial additionality in healthcare and medicine programmes for Irish and EU students. Along with Minister Donnelly, in July 2022, I announced an agreement to increase the number of annual intake places in medicine available for Irish and EU students by 200 per annum. This increase is being phased in and 120 of the 200 places were available for Irish and EU students from September 2023.
It must be understood that the funding model for medical education in this country has relied on the cross-subsidisation of places for Irish and EU students by the fees paid by non-EU students.
The agreement to increase the level of funding for existing places, to move them to a more sustainable basis was key to unlocking this expansion in Irish and EU places.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Higher Education Authority has conducted an expression of interest process for Higher Education Institutions interested in building capacity in Medicine, along with Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry and Veterinary. I am working closely with the Minister for Health to facilitate the expansion of medical and healthcare education places for Irish and EU students.
RCSI Enrolments:
|
Domicile Group |
2018/2019 |
2019/2020 |
2020/2021 |
2021/2022 |
2022/2023 |
|
Ireland |
46% |
48% |
53% |
51% |
50% |
|
Northern Ireland |
0.4% |
0.4% |
0.3% |
0.3% |
0.4% |
|
Great Britain |
2% |
2% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
|
(Other) EU |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
|
Non-EU |
46% |
47% |
44% |
46% |
47% |
|
Unknown |
4% |
1% |
0% |
1% |
0% |
|
Grand Total |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
796. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the effectiveness of Section 25 of the Disability Act as it applies to wheelchair users, including electric and power wheelchair users, accessing Higher Education Institution facilities; if there are plans to improve access to higher education institution facilities for wheelchair users, including electric and power wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10033/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the introduction of the Disability Act in 2005, building regulations have been updated with Universal Design in mind and a more comprehensive technical guidance document is now in place. ‘Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use’, or TGD Part M which came into force on 1st January 2012 describes the minimum guidance to illustrate compliance with the requirements of the Part M under the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 526 of 2018). All new buildings, extensions and material alterations must comply with this minimum standard. DFHERIS applies the principles of Universal Design to all new buildings and extensions and also addresses appropriate upgrading of residual stock through retrofitting that incorporates Universal Design principles as far as is practicable.
This Department’s Devolved Capital Grant also provides flexible capital funding to eligible further and higher education institutions to support small-scale building works. Universal Access-related upgrades is one of the categories covered by the grant along with energy efficiency and decarbonisation related measures, health and safety works, minor upgrade and refurbishment works, ICT investments and equipment purchase and renewal. The total allocation of Devolved Grant since 2020 is €200 million.
PATH 4 in the new National Access Plan under the Inclusivity goal is a key driver in delivering the following objectives: To embed a whole-of-institution approach to student success and universal design and to improve opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities to engage in higher education. PATH 4 Phase 1 – Universal Design Fund - will support the embedding of Universal Design approaches and inclusive practices in HEIs which will benefit all students. Once off funding of €3m for Universal Design measures was allocated in 2022. Nineteen HEIs received a total of €3m in Phase 1. Projects are currently ongoing.
My Department will continue to support all Higher Education Institutions in providing facilities for wheelchair users and by promoting Universal Design principles improve access to Higher Education Institution facilities.
797. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reasoning behind public bodies being exempt from Section 25 of the Disability Act; the process for which a higher education institution as a public body can apply for an exemption; the designated person(s) responsible for applying for the exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10034/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 25 of Disability Act 2005, public bodies must ensure that public buildings are accessible "as far as practicable" to persons with disabilities. This requirement is outlined in part M of the Building Regulations Act, and public buildings must abide by any amendment made to part M within 10 years of that amendment.
All capital projects including new construction, material alteration or extensions funded by my Department are required to be fully compliant with Technical Guidance Document Part M (building regulations - access and use) and all subsequent updates.
The Disability Act 2005 also states that public bodies must put at least one staff member in charge of providing assistance and guidance to people with disabilities who access its services. I can confirm that my Department has an Access Officer appointed in this regard.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
798. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the phase 6 training for electrical and instrumentation in SETU Carlow is still scheduled for April 2024; why notification of the training has not been issued yet; and if he will give a date by which notification of training will be issued to apprentices so they can plan accordingly. [10053/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by Deputy Cairns is presently being collated by SOLAS. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
799. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a report (details supplied); his views on its recommendation for the implementation of employee status and university contract model for all PhD researchers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10203/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2022, I appointed Dr Andrea Johnson and Mr David Cagney to undertake an independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers. This is the first time that State supports for PhD students have been considered holistically in this manner. During their exercise they met with over 35 stakeholder organisations, one of which was the PWO, and they received over 750 online submissions.
In their reporting, I requested that the Co-Chairs prioritise consideration of a number of issues, including stipend levels. Their first review report was published in June 2023 in which they recommended an increase toward an optimum stipend level of €25,000, subject to funding availability. Under Budget 2024, I secured funding to increase the competitive PhD stipend awards provided by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council from €19,000 to €22,000 per annum, building on the additional funding that I secured under Budget 2023 and demonstrating my consistent commitment to this issue. My officials and I will continue to engage with the budgetary processes in order to continue our progress on this.
The final report of the Co-Chairs will encompass their examination of the two outstanding elements of their terms of reference: PhD researcher status and issues particularly relevant to underrepresented groups. For each of these elements, the Co-Chairs will present their analysis and findings, based on their extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. The report will be published on my Department's web site in the first quarter of this year.
800. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he expects the new UCC dental school project to begin construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10298/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUCC is an autonomous body established under statute. As an autonomous body, it is a matter for UCC to prioritise its capital projects accordingly and the expenditure of the University’s income (public and private) is a matter for the individual institution and this includes responsibility for ensuring appropriate policies and procedures are in place to oversee the use of its resources.
In terms of prioritisation, there have been two rounds of capital funding made available to Higher Level Institutions under the Higher Education Strategic Investment Fund (HESIF) in recent years. Each institute was permitted to submit one project per funding round under HESIF. UCC chose to lodge applications for the Business School and for an upgrade to the Kane Building, both of which have been successful and have received €50 million in direct exchequer funding from this Department.
The Higher Education Authority recently undertook an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process to identify options for developing substantial medium-term additional capacity in a range of priority healthcare disciplines including Dentistry. In June 2023 the Minister for Health and I announced details of the potential options identified under this process. I continue to engage closely on this matter with Government colleagues to advance the process, with investment to be considered in the context of the ongoing review of Departmental National Development Plan allocations to 2030.
801. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a person (details supplied) can avail of any further SUSI supports; if so, what assistance can be provided for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10331/24]
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, progression, 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.
To satisfy the terms and conditions of the scheme in relation to progression, a student must be moving from year to year within a course, having successfully completed the previous year or be transferring from one course to another where the award for the subsequent course is of a higher level than the previous course.
Generally speaking, 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 objective of this policy is to help as many students as possible to obtain one qualification at each level of study.
Notwithstanding this, under Article 15(8) of the Student Grant Scheme 2023, the awarding authority SUSI has discretion to award a grant for a repeat period of study in exceptional circumstances, such as serious certified illness, which impacted on a student completing a particular period of study or undertaking exams in line with guidelines drawn up by the Minister.
SUSI treats each application for repeat funding on a case-by-case basis and it is it is a matter for the individual student to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the awarding authority that there were exceptional circumstances.
My officials have advised me that the student referred to by the Deputy applied to SUSI having previously attended years 1 and 2 of a level 8 course in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic years The student is now enrolled in year 1 of a different level 8 course in the 2023/2024 academic year.
A letter was sent to the student by SUSI on 27th September 2023 advising that their application had been refused and that they would be required to complete an equivalent period of study before being eligible for student grant funding.
If the applicant feels that they could not complete their previous course due to exceptional circumstances, they can contact the SUSI Support Desk by emailing support@susi.ie and request an Internal Review of their application on these grounds.
802. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta cé mhéid airgid a chaitheann an Rialtas in aghaidh na bliana chun tacú le hAcadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge. [10379/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra803. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta cé mhéid airgid a chaitheann an Rialtas in aghaidh na bliana chun tacú le soláthar cúrsaí trí Ghaeilge i bhforais tríú leibhéal. [10380/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 802 and 803 together.
Leithdháileann mo Roinn maoiniú athfhillteach ar an Údarás um Ard-Oideachas (HEA) le haghaidh eisíocaíochta dírí d’institiúidí ardoideachais an HEA. Leithdháileann HEA é sin mar bhlocdheontas d’institiúidí ardoideachais chun tacú le costais phá agus neamhphá arna dtabhú ag na hinstitiúidí.
Déantar an deontas a leithdháileadh trí fhoirmle mhaoinithe, bunaithe ar líon na mac léinn a ndearnadh iniúchadh orthu roimhe sin. San áireamh sna deontais seo tá mic léinn atá ag déanamh staidéir ar an nGaeilge nó mic léinn a bhfuil a gcuid staidéir á reáchtáil trí Ghaeilge. Baineann leithdháileadh inmheánach an bhlocdheontais le gníomhaíochtaí teagaisc, taighde agus tacaíochta, lena n-áirítear maoiniú do chúrsaí Gaeilge, le gach institiúid.
Chomh maith le bac a chur ar mhaoiniú deontais, d’fhéadfadh an Roinn nó an HEA leithdháiltí barrcheadúnaithe a imfhálú le haghaidh cuspóirí straitéiseacha nó tábhachtacha ar leith.
Tá leithdháileadh €1,766,000 ceadaithe ag an HEA d’Ollscoil na Gaillimhe (ó leithdháileadh athfhillteach B4) d’Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge le roinnt blianta anuas. Ar leithligh, tá leithdháileadh slice €900,000 den scoth curtha ar fáil ag an HEA d’institiúidí ardoideachais atá maoinithe ag an HEA faoin bhforáil speisialta chun tacú leis an tionscnamh Gaeilge le roinnt blianta anuas.
Féadfaidh institiúidí faoi údarás an HEA maoiniú a fháil freisin ó Ranna nó gníomhaireachtaí Rialtais eile chun tacú le soláthar cúrsaí trí Ghaeilge. Mar shampla, moltar dom gur gheall an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán €1,000,000 in aghaidh na bliana acadúla a chur ar fáil in 2021 d’Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge le haghaidh 2021/22, 2022/23 agus 2023/24.
804. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the ground rents payable by his Department or agencies under its remit, by named property, by name of landlord and by amount payable, in the years 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10416/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's offices are spread across three locations, Stephen's Green, Marlborough St and Tullamore. The Office of Public Works sources and funds the Accommodation for each of these properties.
The information in respect of aegis bodies, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document, should the Deputy wish to contact the aegis bodies directly with his query.
805. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1 of 27 February 2024, if it is now his position that the refurbishment grant for which he sought Cabinet approval will be provided to universities in order that they can purchase vacant properties on the market; if so, if they will apply through the vacant property refurbishment grant under the croí cónaithe towns fund as mentioned; when he will publish the criteria on how this will operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10616/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently received Government approval for an overarching policy approach for student accommodation in Ireland. This policy looks at a number of ways to stimulate supply of student accommodation, including standardised design, continued promotion of the rent-a-room scheme and recognition of the Government's commitment to reactivating vacant and derelict properties.
My officials are developing schemes to enable the repurposing of existing on-campus buildings or refurbishment of vacant properties located close to campuses as student accommodation, in consultation and alignment with initiatives being led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Many campuses are located in regional towns and cities where vacancy rates are higher. Government policy in this area, through the Town Centre First policy document identifies the need to bring vibrancy back to town centres through residential development. Refurbished properties also benefit from a much lower carbon footprint. Through the vacant property refurbishment grant under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, 6,697 applications have been received to date, of which 3,764 have been approved.
All local authorities, which now have a dedicated full-time vacant homes officer, are currently undertaking a survey of vacant and derelict properties. The Department of housing has provided data on vacancy and facilitated engagement for my departmental officials with local authority officials, who have knowledge and information on relevant vacant properties. My officials and the higher education sector are working with these officers to identify suitable proposals for review.
I have written to the technological universities and have asked them to send in proposals to the HEA in March. A workshop lead by the HEA has been held this week to aid the development of the proposals. We want to build purpose-built student accommodation but we will also examine if there are more efficient ways of increasing student accommodation through the refurbishment of vacant or derelict properties either on or adjacent to the HEI campus.
806. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a breakdown of the average wait time for apprenticeships for each phase of their apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10764/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by Deputy McAuliffe is presently being collated by SOLAS. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
807. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he expects the new UCC dental school project to begin construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10774/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUCC is an autonomous body established under statute. As an autonomous body, it is a matter for UCC to prioritise its capital projects accordingly and the expenditure of the University’s income (public and private) is a matter for the individual institution and this includes responsibility for ensuring appropriate policies and procedures are in place to oversee the use of its resources.
In terms of prioritisation, there have been two rounds of capital funding made available to Higher Level Institutions under the Higher Education Strategic Investment Fund (HESIF) in recent years. Each institute was permitted to submit one project per funding round under HESIF. UCC chose to lodge applications for the Business School and for an upgrade to the Kane Building, both of which have been successful and have received €50 million in direct exchequer funding from this Department.
The Higher Education Authority recently undertook an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process to identify options for developing substantial medium-term additional capacity in a range of priority healthcare disciplines including Dentistry. In June 2023 the Minister for Health and I announced details of the potential options identified under this process. I continue to engage closely on this matter with Government colleagues to advance the process, with investment to be considered in the context of the ongoing review of Departmental National Development Plan allocations to 2030.
808. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether any consideration has been given to supports to people transitioning from full-time jobs, who may have costs such as mortgages, to allow them to take up apprenticeships, but are concerned they could not meet their financial obligations. [10835/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecognising that cost is a barrier to education, one of this Department’s priorities is to ensure students and their families can benefit from financial support to help with the cost of third level education, including apprenticeship.
Access to Apprenticeship
One of the five overarching objectives of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 is "Apprenticeship for All”, which aims to ensure that the profile of the apprenticeship population better reflects the general population.
The Plan promotes access, diversity and inclusion in apprenticeship. It offers targeted supports to incentivise participation from under-represented and socio-economically disadvantaged groups. The National Apprenticeship Alliance established the Access & Inclusion Sub-Committee in early 2023 which sets specific targets and interventions in this regard.
The Access to Apprenticeship Initiative supports the apprentices from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds into an apprenticeship scheme. Eligible participants can access a €3,000 grant to support living costs including travel, accommodation and materials. There is €500,000 funding in 2024 for this programme, delivered at TU Shannon, and expanding to include all Education and Training Boards, as well as TUS Limerick, Athlone, MTU and ATU Galway.
Apprenticeship Allowance
While attending off-the-job training in Education and Training Boards, craft apprentices are paid a training allowance appropriate to their training phase. These allowances are set with reference to rates of pay within the national agreements with social partners. For your reference, I have attached a table setting out the most recent standard rates of pay for craft apprenticeships, which was issued in January this year.
In addition to training allowances, craft apprentices attending phases of off-the-job training in an Education and Training Board (ETB) training centre, Institute of Technology or a Technological University are entitled to make an application for either travel or accommodation allowances for the duration of the period of off-the-job training.
Cost of Living and Budget 2024
While the State does not provide allowances to apprentices on consortia led programmes, in Budget 2024 this Department secured €3.8m for a one-third reduction in the Apprenticeship Student Contribution Fee for those attending higher education institutions in the 2023/24 academic year. This was targeted at relieving the immediate pressure associated with making this payment. It is expected that around 11,000 apprentices in higher education will benefit from this measure including apprentices on consortia apprenticeship programmes.
809. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to confirm that a town and village renewal scheme 2021 grant can be reopened for a group (details supplied) who were awarded funding under the TVRS of approximately €50,000 but some pre-planning response monies of approximately €12,000 from this was not requested in error, as the grant is now closed and they are unable to draw down the pre-planning response monies which is required by them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10156/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since its launch, over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects supporting towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.
The Scheme is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals and deliver projects that can make a lasting impact on rural towns and villages.
The TVRS team in my Department engages systematically with local authorities and assists with any queries that may arise during the development and/or delivery stages of projects to ensure the Scheme has the maximum impact.
Cork City Council were approved funding of €50,000 towards the design fees for the specified project, under the Project Development Measure of the 2021 Scheme. The completion date for this project was 31 August 2023, and an extension of the timeline was given to mid-November to allow additional time for submission of payment documentation.
In November 2023 Cork City Council submitted a claim to my Department for €25,962.46 and at that time confirmation was received that the project was complete.
I can confirm that officials in my Department are currently engaging with Cork City Council regarding the specified project and any additional information provided will be given due consideration.
810. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the projects in County Carlow to receive funding under CLÁR Measure 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10233/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation over a defined period.
The 2023 CLÁR programme was delivered under 3 separate measures. The first measure provided support for developing new community facilities and amenities. 265 projects were approved under this measure.
A total of 7 projects were approved under measure 1 in County Carlow to a value of almost €268,000. Details of all successful projects are available on my Department's website. These projects were approved in December 2023 and January 2024 and my officials will continue to liaise with local authorities as implementation progresses.
811. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to support public libraries across Ireland. [10234/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra825. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent of library support provisions she expects to be in a position to make throughout the country in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10807/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 811 and 825 together.
In July 2023, I launched the new Public Library Strategy 2023-2027 "The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration". It is an ambitious forward-looking strategy which sets the direction of travel for the public library service. The strategy seeks to improve access, use and visibility of the 330 public libraries as an essential community service, providing multi-purpose, social, cultural and educational spaces for the whole community to enjoy.
The strategy is underpinned by three overarching themes: People, Spaces, and Connections, delineated across nine strategic objectives and three enablers, encompassing a total of 66 strategic actions. These include:
• Expansion of the Right to Read programme
• Increase access to book clubs for library users
• Establishment of a national network of Gigabit libraries
• Expansion of user-centered design approaches to library services
• Rollout of the national “Skills for Life” umbrella programme, covering digital skills, financial literacy, sustainable lifestyles, and environmental awareness
• Delivery of digital skills training for library staff
• Implementation of a new national media literacy programme for staff
• Development of a data dashboard for library leaders and the public
• The amount of remuneration to authors through the Public Lending Remuneration (PLR) scheme for physical lending shall increase by 50% over the lifetime of the strategy.
The strategy includes a commitment to develop a new library capital programme to align with the strategy for the 2023-2027 period. In 2023, my Department invited all local authorities to submit proposals for the development of public library infrastructure, facilities and mobile library vehicles. An additional €33.1 million is earmarked for the 2023-2027 period for this programme. An announcement of the successful projects is to be made shortly.
My Department is also investing significantly in the development of libraries through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which has provided over €57 million to develop and deliver libraries across rural Ireland.
Initiatives such as the My Open Library service, ICT funding, and targeted allocations from Dormant Accounts Funding will further contribute to the enhancement of library services and accessibility.
These strategic investments and targeted initiatives demonstrate my Department’s commitment to ensuring that public libraries remain accessible, inclusive and dynamic spaces that empower individuals and communities alike.
812. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of requests her Department has received from the charities regulator seeking approval for recruitment of additional staff in the years of 2023 and to-date in 2024; of the number of requests received, the number that were granted; and the number that are currently pending, in tabular form. [10264/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Charities Regulatory Authority (the ‘Charities Regulator’) was established in October 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. The Authority is the State organisation responsible for registering and regulating all of Ireland’s charities, with the mandate to promote good governance practice.
The Charities Regulator is under the aegis of my department. It is important to note however, that the Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.
The Charities Regulator has a budgetary allocation in 2024 of €5.3 million, which is an increase of over €200,000 on the 2023 allocation and just over €800,000 on the 2022 allocation respectively. This includes budgetary provision for 48 staff members.
Requests for additional budgetary allocations, including allocations in respect of additional staff, form part of the annual estimates process and are subject to review and approval by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
Separately, I am aware that the commencement of provisions contained in the Charities (Amendment) Bill, 2023 may require an additional budgetary allocation for the Charities Regulator, and these will be considered in due course as part of the annual estimates process.
813. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what plans are in place to ensure that the LEADER Programme is expanded to include targeted sectors in rural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10360/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development.
It is based on a community-led approach to rural development and supports a broad range of activities which aim to respond to the diversity of the local needs of our rural areas. The Programme is designed to support initiatives that will have the greatest impact on a community’s development.
A new LEADER programme for the period 2023-2027 has now commenced across the country, and €180m has been provided for this period. When added to the €70 million made available for the transitional period 2021 to 2022 this brings the total allocated to the LEADER programme for the period 2021 to 2027 to €250 million. This maintains the level of funding provided for the 2014-2020 programming period.
The emphasis of this new programme, which builds on the many successful previous programmes, will include the continued development of the rural economy. There will also be a strong focus on building the capacity of marginalised and new communities, particularly in areas that have not benefited from LEADER financial support in the past.
I am confident that LEADER will continue to play a vital role in the coming years in delivering locally led projects which deliver very real impact for communities across the country.
