Written Answers Nos. 708-716
708. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of all universities identifying whether each has run a surplus or deficit for the financial year 2023, the value of this surplus or deficit and the change from the financial year 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17676/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe audited financial statements for 2022/2023 for the majority of universities are not yet available. Information is provided in the table below of the surplus/deficit for universities for the financial year 2021/2022 and if available for the financial year 2022/2023. It is noted that the traditional universities have a year end of 30 September and the technological universities have a year end of 31 August.
South East Technological University was established on 1 May 2022 and Atlantic Technological University was established on 1 April 2022. The first set of financial statements for these technological universities will be from the date of establishment to 31 August 2023.
Surplus/(Deficit) in Universities as published in the Audited Financial Statements
|
University |
Y/E 30/9/2023 (university) Y/E 31/8/2023 (technological university) |
Y/E 30/9/2022 (university) Y/E 31/8/2022 (technological university) |
|
€’000 |
€’000 |
|
|
Dublin City University |
10,546 |
|
|
University College Dublin |
15,916 |
|
|
University College Cork |
734 |
|
|
Maynooth University |
10,550 |
14,227 |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
3,877 |
(205) |
|
University of Limerick |
10,793 |
|
|
University Galway |
3,922 |
3,392 |
|
Technological University Dublin |
(3,802) |
|
|
Munster Technological University |
5,270 |
|
|
Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest |
2,451 |
|
|
Atlantic Technological University |
N/A established 1/4/22 |
|
|
South East Technological University |
N/A established 1/5/22 |
709. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the action he is taking to retain current and future personnel in the construction sector, and from being recruited internationally; the number of graduates and those employed in the construction sector who have emigrated in each of the past five years, by general trade and specialist category in the industry; the number of the same cohort who returned to Ireland in that time period, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17868/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key Government priority is to increase and retain the number of people employed in the construction sector. This is essential to the Government meeting its ambitious targets under the National Development Plan, Climate Action Plan, Housing for All.
The Report on the Analysis of Skills for Residential Construction & Retrofitting 2023–2030 outlined the labour market requirement of over 50,000 new entrants into the construction sector for that period to meet current housing and retrofitting targets.
The Careers in Construction Action Plan was developed with an aim to address and minimise barriers to careers in the sector and to help meet national targets. The actions involve changes in structure, training and upskilling, and promotional activity.
The Department’s campaign to promote careers in construction is a combined national marketing campaign for the construction sector. Assisted by funding from the Housing for All 2024 Implementation Fund, it is delivering a cross-partner effort to promote the sector. This is based on research findings regarding the perceived and actual barriers to employment in the construction industry.
Encouraging skilled Irish workers living abroad to return home is just one of a number of promotional initiatives being undertaken in 2024. The Department is currently conducting research to fully understand the motivations of skilled Irish construction workers who have moved abroad, and to identify barriers that may exist to them coming home. The findings of this will help shape promotional activities. As part of this, focus groups/ interviews with Irish construction workers abroad are underway – An Taoiseach Simon Harris joined one such group in London in March.
A large social media campaign, taking a peer-to-peer approach to dispel the myths surrounding careers in construction, is underway. The “Building Heroes” campaign was recently launched as part of this. A documentary on the sector will also be produced and shared with schools nationwide.
Recognising the potential of currently under-represented groups within the sector, the National Apprenticeship Office’s “Facts, Faces, Futures" campaign promotes apprenticeships to girls. This helps to highlight careers in construction. New resources relating to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) will also be developed, to highlight new opportunities in this growing area.
The statistics the Deputy has requested are currently not available. However, the CSO publication of “Higher Education Outcomes - Graduation Years 2010-2019” suggests that the individuals who were ‘not captured’ as being in employment or education are assumed to have emigrated. For 2019 - the last year of that study - 940 graduates out of 13,980 were not captured, a rate of 7%. However, as the CSO note “there is no definitive indicator of emigration available in the administrative data sources ” and it is not possible to track those who have returned to the country. Furthermore, this data is undifferentiated. It includes both engineering and manufacturing graduates rather than just construction graduates.
Whether the barriers people feel they face to a career in construction are practical, geographical or due to other reasons, the Department is determined to address them. Through commitments under Housing for All and the initiatives provided by the Department and partners, we are providing clear pathways to a career in construction and will continue to promote opportunities in the sector.
710. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the work of his Department to secure places for students from this jurisdiction in medical schools in Northern Ireland; whether he has ensured that these students would then be eligible to apply to work in the HSE on graduation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17898/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February of this year, an agreement was reached with Queen's University Belfast for the funding of twenty-five (25) additional medical places for qualifying students from Ireland or Northern Ireland in Queen's from September 2024. A further twenty-five places will be made available in September 2025 bringing the total number of additional places available to 50.
These places are being be co-funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Department of Health. Students who take up one of these places will commit to applying and accepting, if offered, a position in the HSE as an intern at the end of their studies.
With the ongoing expansion in places across the six medical schools, and the additional places secured in Northern Ireland, by September 2024 more than 25% increase in places will have been delivered for Irish students relative to September 2021. It is a key priority for me and my Department as well as Minister Stephen Donnelly and the Department of Health to ensure that we continue to build capacity in a sustainable way to meet the workforce needs of the healthcare sector and also to provide greater opportunities on this island for students wishing to study medicine as well as other key healthcare disciplines.
711. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to examine an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17944/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHigher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous and determine their own procedures for admission. The CAO process applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on their behalf.
Decisions on admissions are made by the higher education institutions who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. Therefore neither I nor my Department have a function in relation to such matters and it is not within my remit to intervene in individual cases.
The CAO website directs that appeals must be made in writing, be signed by the applicant and must describe the alleged unfair treatment. Appropriate supporting documentation should accompany the appeal with your Name, Address, CAO Application number, Date of Birth and Email address on the appeal letter.
Appeals should be addressed to: The Secretary, CAO Independent Appeals Commission, c/o Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway, Ireland.
The CAO is also a body under the remit of the Ombudsman.
712. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding and grants available to communities that wish to establish community arts centres; and if she would consider the establishment of an arts centre in Bandon, County Cork. [17352/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA vital part of my Department's mission is to support vibrant and sustainable communities across this country. While funding for arts and culture is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, I am happy to confirm that there are competitive funding streams provided by my Department which could contribute to supporting the establishment of local arts centres, details of which are set out below.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland. The aim is to drive economic growth, combat dereliction and breathe new life into town centres. There is a strong focus on converting old buildings into remote working hubs, libraries, e-learning, cultural, enterprise, youth and community spaces. For example, funding was approved for projects in Macroom, Co. Cork in 2019 for the restoration and upgrade of the Briery Gap Theatre and Library.
In 2022 funding was allocated for a number of interventions including the refurbishment of the vacant St. Colman’s Church in Macroom as an arts, community, cultural and heritage facility. Also in 2022, funding was approved for a project in Charleville, Co. Cork that includes the repurposing of vacant historic buildings to be used as an Arts and Community Centre.
Additionally, Bandon Town Centre Renewal and Regeneration Project was approved for RRDF funding of €5.5 million in 2022. This is an ambitious town centre focused regeneration project that includes the conversion of a vacant building into a community space, the transformation of the old town library into an e-hub remote working facility, the provision of new public spaces and major public realm works that will support active travel.
The RRDF fifth call for Category 1 applications closed on 8 February 2024, and applications are currently being assessed.
Support under the LEADER 2023-2027 programme may be provided under the themes of Economic Development and Job Creation, Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion, Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation and funding for local arts centres may be available under these themes.
Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant LAG, through its Implementing Partner, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. Contact details for all LAGs are available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. The current scheme is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland through a renewed focus on town centre regeneration and enhancing economic and social vibrancy in line with the Town Centre First policy. This can be achieved through the purchase and/or renovation of derelict and vacant buildings being brought back into use as multi-purpose spaces, which includes use by the arts.
The 2023 TVRS closed for applications on 10 November 2023, and the assessment process is now being finalised by my Department. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful applications shortly. In line with the recently published calendar of schemes by my Department, the 2024 TVRS will open to applications in October 2024.
I would also note that a second round of funding under the Community Recognition Fund has recently been announced, and this could also provide an appropriate funding avenue depending on demands and priorities in the broader local authority area.
Up to date information on all schemes operated by my Department is provided on the Department's website at: www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/
713. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding provided to the community and voluntary pillar in each of the years 2014 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17586/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community and Voluntary Social Pillar (‘the C&V Pillar’) is a seventeen-member group representing community and voluntary organisations which contribute to the social dialogue process.
Since 2018, the Department of Rural and Community Development has provided funding to the members of the C&V Pillar to engage in dialogue and policy formation.
The following table sets out the total annual funding allocated to the C&V Pillar membership from 2018 to 2024, inclusive.
|
Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
|
Amount |
€565,200 |
€565,200 |
€565,200 |
€565,200 |
€565,200 |
€565,200 |
€565,200 |
€3,956,400 |
714. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the percentage of youth work organisations who made successful applications to the community centre investment fund under categories 1, 2 and 3, since the inception of the fund, per year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17587/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra715. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide a breakdown of funding, by organisation, for the community centres investment fund new builds measure; and whether any youth work organisations were successful in applying. [17588/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 714 and 715 together.
Under the range of capital investment programmes operated by my Department, I have prioritised in recent years the development and enhancement of community centres across the country as they are a vital resource for all of the community.
Under the 2022 Community Centre Investment Fund, which was the first year of the Fund's operation, over €45.8 million was committed for improvement and refurbishment works on over 860 existing community centres across Ireland in 2022. From a review of the applicant organisations, I understand that 37 of the groups funded as the named applicant were established to specifically work with young people. Of course, community centres are for everyone in the community, young and old. I would expect that the vast majority of the community centres approved in 2022 and 2024 will be utilised by and benefit young people and youth organisations in their locality.
Following on from this investment, I wanted to assist community groups who are striving to build their own community centre to service their local needs. That is why, in 2023, the focus of the Community Centres Investment Fund moved to new builds. I was very pleased, only last week, to announce funding of €30 million under the 2023 scheme which will now see the construction of twelve new facilities in nine separate counties across the country. These are listed in the table below.
I am confident that all of these 12 facilities will be a vital resource for young people. Specifically as regards youth work organisations funded as named applicants, Carlow Regional Youth Services CLG are a partner organisation for the Tullow Road Community Hub application in County Carlow which was approved over €4.1 million under the Fund. Furthermore, over €1.1 million has been allocated to a Scouting Den and Community Centre in Ballina, Co. Mayo.
The table below outlines the successful applicants under the 2023 Community Centre Investment Fund - new Build measure.
|
County |
Group Name |
Lead Party |
CCIF Funding Awarded |
|
Carlow |
Tullow Road Community Hub |
Carlow County Council |
€4,135,178 |
|
Cork |
Rylane Community Centre |
IRD Dunhallow |
€1,595,574 |
|
Galway |
Aras Lae , Maigh Cuilinn |
Údarás an Gaeltachta |
€6,000,000 |
|
Galway (City) |
Newcastle Community Centre |
Galway City Council |
€4,343,255 |
|
Mayo |
Ballina Scouting Den and Community Centre |
Mayo North East |
€1,152,193 |
|
Meath |
Kilcloon Community Centre |
Meath County Council |
€1,915,000 |
|
Monaghan |
Rockcorry Community Centre |
Monaghan County Council |
€2,667,785 |
|
Offaly |
Moneygall Community Centre |
Offaly County Council |
€1,407,660 |
|
Sligo |
Ballymote Community Centre |
Sligo County Council |
€2,650,991 |
|
Sligo |
Kilglass Community Centre |
Sligo County Council |
€1,163,710 |
|
Wexford |
Ballymitty Community Development |
Wexford County Council |
€1,398,035 |
|
Wexford |
Riverchapel Community Centre |
Wexford County Council |
€1,797,919 |
|
Total |
€30,227,300 |
716. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 1726 of 9 April 2024, if she will confirm a number of details about a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18048/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I recently announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation to Dog Control issues. I have appointed John Twomey as Chair of the stakeholder group, which comprises members with a broad range of expertise including academics, veterinary surgeons, local authorities, dog trainers and behaviourists, hunting and farming interests, and animal welfare organisations. The group is well placed to fully consider the breadth of issues in this complex area.
The first meeting of this group took place recently. A draft terms of reference was presented to the group and is currently with them for their formal adoption. As previously stated, it is my intention to publish the finalised terms of reference subject to the approval of the group.
Decisions on any consultation processes to be undertaken by the Stakeholder group will be a matter for the group.
A comprehensive public consultation was undertaken by my Department in relation to dog control policy and legislation in 2019. Over one thousand submissions were received as part of the 2019 consultation and this is available to the stakeholder group to support their work. This is in addition to the ongoing engagement undertaken by my officials on the subject matter, and by group members within their own networks.
There has been, and remains, significant debate about the best way forward in relation to many issues including breed specific legislation. I look forward to receiving the recommendations of this group in due course.
