Robert Troy
Question:35. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he intends to review SUSI income thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23178/24]
View answerGrant Payments
Questions (35)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, Budget 2024 increased certain income thresholds which shall commence in September 2024 as outlined below:-
• Increased income threshold for Band 4 maintenance rate from €46,790 to €50,840
• Increased income threshold for 100% Student Contribution grant from €50,840 to €55,924
The Special Rate Maintenance is also increasing in September from €25,000 to €26,200.
In advance of Budget 2025 this autumn I will be publishing an options paper which will set 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 on increasing income thresholds, when making proposals in the context of budget discussions.
Student Accommodation
Questions (36)
Seán Canney
Question:36. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what funding is in place and available to the Atlantic Technological University to acquire student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23175/24]
View answerWritten answers
In November 2022, Government approved funding of €1m to assist the Technological University (TU) sector, including Atlantic Technological University, in developing a student accommodation programme based on a regional needs and feasibility assessments. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) appointed consultants to undertake this study which commenced in June 2023.
The study’s objective is to develop a programmatic approach to facilitate future TU student accommodation proposals. Demand analysis from the data collected in phase 1 of the study will inform a framework of delivery models and funding options as part of phase 2 of the study.
Following an extensive workshop with the HEA, attended by the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including Atlantic Technological University, preliminary business cases for student accommodation were sought by March 27th. These proposals which could include new build, leasing or acquisition or the re-use of vacant building stock are currently being evaluated by the HEA, with an output report due in Q2 2024. Work on shortlisted proposals, will progress throughout 2024 with final options to be presented to my Department in Q1 2025.
Any framework proposal will require approval by Government and the development of necessary safeguards to ensure that any capital programme of work will not impact upon the resources or financial position of the Technological Universities. We will work within the parameters of the public spending code to deliver on state supported student accommodation provision.
Climate Action Plan
Questions (37)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:37. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to report on progress on the actions on which his Department is leading in the 2024 climate action plan annexe of actions; if these actions are proceeding on time; to report on work to develop a framework to oversee emerging skills requirements for e-mobility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23270/24]
View answerWritten answers
The eight actions for which my Department holds lead responsibility under Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP24) are progressing in line with Climate Action Plan 2024 expectations. One action has already been completed for Q1 2024. A further two actions, regarding developing the green skills and capacities required for a net-zero economy at both Higher and Further Education respectively, are due for completion at the end of Q2 with five further actions agreed for Q4.
Action TR/24/2 – 'Developing a framework to oversee emerging skills requirements for e-mobility' is being led by SOLAS in conjunction with my officials and supported by the Department of Transport, was completed in Q1 2024. Skills requirements for electric vehicle maintenance include the development of upskilling and reskilling opportunities and progressing EV skills through existing motor mechanic apprenticeship programmes. SOLAS are actively working to consider how e-mobility skills can be most effectively delivered by the FET sector, as well as the full range of emerging skills in this area. To this end, SOLAS and DFHERIS have developed a skills oversight group which includes representatives from government departments, state agencies, industry, and further and higher education, in line with Action TR 24/2 of CAP 24. This oversight group will meet quarterly, and I am advised that the first meeting took place in April 2024.
My Department is working closely with its sectoral agencies to continue to achieve all of our agreed actions in a timely fashion.
Grant Payments
Questions (38)
Brendan Griffin
Question:38. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his priorities for further SUSI reform in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23282/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, in Budget 2024, the following long term measures will commence in September 2024:-
• The income threshold for the Band 4 Maintenance Grant is increasing from €46,790 to €50,840
• The income threshold for the 100% Student Contribution Grant is increasing from €50,840 to €55,924
• The income disregard for holiday earnings (earnings outside of term-time) will increase further from €6552 to €7925 in line with the increase in the minimum wage.
• Eligible students from September will also avail of the full increase to Maintenance Grants (€615 for non-adjacent rates and 10% for adjacent rates) and the full restoration of Maintenance Grants to Postgraduate students which commenced on a pro-rata basis last January.
The threshold for the Special Rate of Maintenance Grant is also increasing in September from €25,000 to €26,200.
In advance of Budget 2025 this autumn, I will be publishing an options paper which will set 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 on increasing income thresholds and grant rates, when making proposals in the context of budget discussions.
Student Accommodation
Questions (39)
Catherine Connolly
Question:39. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 50 of 27 February 2024, for an update on the plans to provide additional student accommodation units for students at the University of Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23053/24]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the Short-Term Activation Programme, the University of Galway (UG) received approval to progress a proposed leasing project for approximately 242 additional beds over 15 years, subject to review.
An assessment was commenced by the Higher Education Authority as part of the due diligence process, however during the ongoing assessment the proposal was withdrawn by the vendor.
University of Galway subsequently submitted a potential project proposal for leasing of approximately 272 beds. The HEA commenced assessment of this alternative proposal. The HEA was informed this month by the University of Galway that the project will not progress as the developer/landlord have advised that they can no longer commit to the proposal.
The Department will continue to engage with the University of Galway in relation to potential projects through the developing long term policy and strategy for Student Accommodation.
For the current academic year there are an additional 1,021 beds available in publicly funded Higher Education Institutions with 674 of these in University of Galway. In addition, as of the 30th of April, HEIs have indicated that there are approximately 127 rooms available in Galway for digs accommodation.
The most recent Building Information data (April 2024) supplied by the Higher Education Authority indicates that since 2017, 1,739 new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds have been built in Galway. Work is underway on site on an additional 403 bed spaces and planning permission has been obtained for a further 1,669 beds.
The new Student Accommodation Strategy is in development following approval of the Long Term Policy earlier this year. This policy approach includes measures for increasing supply of student accommodation, reducing cost of delivery through development of standardised design guidance, and promoting efficient use of existing stock and vacancy while supporting balanced regional development. It will continue to have a focus on the provision of digs accommodation.
Further and Higher Education
Questions (40)
Brendan Smith
Question:40. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the proposed building project at Cavan Institute will proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23272/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that over the course of 2023, Cavan Monaghan ETB (CMETB) were supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Cavan town under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund. The development of a robust PBC is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The Cavan town proposal is one of twelve FET College of the Future major projects that submitted their business case proposals to SOLAS in January of this year. CMETB have undertaken significant work in developing their proposal which outlines their infrastructural requirements for FET provision in their region.
In late April and early May of this year, meetings were held between SOLAS and DFHERIS officials and representatives from each of the twelve ETBs to further develop and refine proposals. Discussions at these meetings centred around ensuring that proposals are aligned with national and regional policies, are affordable and provide value for money. SOLAS will be in contact with all twelve ETBS shortly including CMETB to provide feedback from these discussions. This feedback will allow ETBs to update their business cases, to bring a clearer focus on proposals, and to achieve the development of required priority infrastructure, that meet the needs of their current and future FET learners.
Once business cases are updated, they will be evaluated by SOLAS and my department and those proposals that meet the required evaluation criteria will move to the next stage of development, which is the Pre-tender – Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy Stage.
Student Accommodation
Questions (41)
Alan Farrell
Question:41. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on efforts to increase the supply of student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22757/24]
View answerWritten answers
The challenge facing students in accessing appropriate student accommodation is an issue which Government and I are actively addressing under Housing for All.
I am progressing a new policy and student accommodation strategy to provide State assistance to stimulate the development of new student accommodation.
Last month the Taoiseach and I announced the investment of €100m in additional National Development Plan funding for delivery of over 1,000 additional student beds with the University sector. These are developments which had been stalled due to cost viability, and are being progressed under a short term activation initiative. This allocation will activate Phase 1 of UCD’s project for delivery of 493 beds, in addition to Maynooth University’s 116 bed project progression to construction, and the DCU’s 405 bed project through tender stage.
The long term student accommodation policy was approved by Government in January. This includes measures for increasing supply of student accommodation, reducing cost of delivery through development of standardised design guidance, and promoting efficient use of existing housing stock while supporting balanced regional development.
My officials and the HEA are working intensively on options proposals from the TU sector. This process includes engagement with local authorities on potential refurbishment projects and new build proposals. An initial assessment report is expected from the HEA by end May, outlining the next phase of the proposal development.
We have extended measures under the Rent a room scheme to increase supply for students, including an income disregard for SUSI and medical card eligibility and expansion for local authority tenants to participate in the scheme for students.
Public Sector Staff
Questions (42)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:42. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made to resolve the terms and conditions of employment of personal assistants who work in some education and training boards; the timeline for when the issue is expected to be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23179/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, SOLAS was authorised to revise the Guidelines on the Fund for Students with Disabilities to provide for a standard hourly rate of €21 plus 8% holiday pay for personal assistant employed directly by ETBs, with effect from 1st March 2024. My officials are finalising the terms of reference for a review of Personal Assistance services funded from the Fund for Students with Disabilities across tertiary education settings.
FÓRSA have lodged a formal claim for improvements to the terms and conditions of personal assistants employed by a number of Education and Training Boards, seeking the establishment of a public service grade, with an incremental salary scale, pension and leave entitlements. The matter has been referred to the Workplace Relations Commission for Conciliation.
Student Accommodation
Questions (43)
Bernard Durkan
Question:43. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which provision is being made or will be made to meet the full requirement of student accommodation adjacent to schools or colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23226/24]
View answerWritten answers
The challenge facing students in accessing appropriate student accommodation is an issue which Government and I are actively addressing under Housing for All.
I am progressing a new policy to provide State assistance to stimulate the development of new student accommodation.
Last month, the Taoiseach and I announced the capital investment of €100m from the National Development Plan windfall allocation for delivery of student accommodation projects. This enables further activation of Phase 1 of UCD’s 493 bed project, the progression of the Maynooth project (116 beds) to the construction stage and the DCU project (405 beds) through tender stage.
The long term policy approach was approved by Government on 16th January 2024. The approach includes measures for increasing supply of student accommodation through state support, reducing cost of delivery through development of standardised design guidance, and promoting efficient use of existing stock and vacancy while supporting balanced regional development. It will continue to have a focus on the provision of digs accommodation. It is important to recognise the role and provision of supply from the private sector in key campus locations.
My officials and the HEA are working intensively on options proposals from the TU sector. This process includes engagement with local authorities on potential refurbishment projects and new build proposals. An initial assessment report is expected from the HEA by end May, outlining the next phase of the proposal development.
We have extended measures under the Rent a room scheme to increase supply for students, including an income disregard for SUSI and medical card eligibility and expansion for local authority tenants to participate in the scheme for students.
I can advise that the total level of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation stock stands at over 48,000 with publicly owned or operated student accommodation beds accounting for 15,519 and the remainder being privately owned and operated.
Current supply figures indicate that 14,599 purpose built student beds have been built since 2017. Of these, an additional 1,021 publicly funded beds were completed in 2023, 674 in UG, 80 in UL, 9 in TCD, 3 in MIC and 255 in UCC. In addition, 459 private beds were completed.
According to the information available to the Department work is underway on site on an additional 1,974 bed spaces while planning permission has been obtained for a further 11,102 beds. It should be noted that this number could include projects where planning was granted but the project never progressed further than that or may be on hold. Planning applications in respect of a further 2,016 beds have been sought.
As of 30th April, the Higher Education Institutions have indicated there are approximately 2,178 beds available in digs accommodation nationally.
Education Policy
Questions (44)
Bernard Durkan
Question:44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which a continuous supply of graduates in the academic and technical areas is provided for in order to meet requirements of industry and education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23227/24]
View answerWritten answers
It is essential more than ever that our skills ecosystem has the agility and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and skills needs of the workforce, labour market and society, with the backdrop of the accelerating and intensifying digital and green transitions. In this context, one of the key themes of the OECD Review of Ireland's National Skills Strategy published last May was the need to secure a balance in skills through a responsive, diversified supply of skills in Ireland.
The tertiary education system plays a central role in ensuring that our graduates from higher education, further education and training and from apprenticeship are equipped with the essential transversal skills, on top of vocational and professional skills and competencies that will equip them for success in work. These skills enhance their employability and ensure graduates have skills to continually adapt to diverse tasks and contribute meaningfully to the workplace and the society.
The agility and flexibility of the tertiary system is underscored by responsiveness to priority industry and enterprise workforce needs under key policy initiatives that require whole-of-government efforts and collaboration 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.
However, with the pace and scale of changes fuelled by twin and demographic transitions taking place globally, the importance of lifelong learning in personal, professional, and societal development cannot be overstated. For individuals and business to thrive in the new world, learning and upskilling should continue throughout the life course and become a social and economic investment into the future.
As highlighted in the OECD Review there is a substantial provision of lifelong learning opportunities across all the tertiary education system in Ireland, offered, for example, through such initiatives as Springboard+, the Human Capital Initiative, Skills to Advance and the work of Skillnet Ireland- and its leading role in supporting employers of all sizes, with their upskilling and reskilling needs.
This is why together with our partners across the skills ecosystem, including the network of nine Regional Skills Fora, we are collectively placing a renewed emphasis on lifelong learning and recognising skills as a cornerstone to empower people and businesses, and support innovation and competitiveness.
Those concerted efforts aim continue to build on the success we have had to date and achieve a step change in lifelong learning to further improve balance between skills demand and supply.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Questions (45)
Alan Farrell
Question:45. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on efforts to increase the number of apprenticeship spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22756/24]
View answerWritten answers
Increasing apprenticeship delivery capacity is a priority for my Department.
Strong demand in apprenticeship coupled with an extremely buoyant construction sector has seen craft apprenticeship registrations rise by 25% since 2019.
Following analysis in July 2023 showing that some apprentices were waiting overlong for their off-the-job training, a plan was developed by the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) to significantly reduce craft training delays and increase craft training capacity.
During Estimates 2024, €67m was allocated to grow the apprenticeship system, bringing total funding in 2024 to €298m. The past number of years have seen significant investment in apprenticeship. Additional funding has been provided as follows:
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
|
Total |
€163.4m |
€214.7m |
€271.9m |
€298.3m |
€17m capital investment was made in apprenticeship in 2023 to expand existing facilities, develop new facilities, and for additional equipment and tools.
ETBs have also been mandated by SOLAS to deliver three intakes of apprenticeship delivery per workshop per year.
The NAO are leading a national recruitment campaign which has resulted in 58 new instructor posts so far and with more to be advertised when capital projects come on-stream. In addition over 80 instructor posts have been converted from fixed term to permanent to help support retention.
All of these actions have directly led to a significant growth in the number of places available for phase 2 off-the-job training. As of April 2024 there are 7,545 places, which is an increase of 34% from 2023 when there were 5,613 places and an increase of 79% from 2019 when there were 4,220 places.
The implementation of the plan by the NAO and the strong growth in apprenticeship capacity has meant that the number of apprentices waiting 6 months or longer for their off the job training has nearly halved from 5,319 in October 2023 to 2,976 in April 2024.
It is my priority to maintain momentum and continue growing the apprenticeship system, and ensure that there are enough training places for current and future skills needs.
Technological Universities
Questions (46)
Seán Canney
Question:46. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the STEM building planned for the Galway campus of Atlantic Technological University will be proceeding to construction; the timeline for the completion of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23176/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Higher Education PPP programme, which was originally announced as part of the Building on Recovery Capital Plan 2016-2021, includes eleven projects. This commitment to the PPP programme has been carried through into the current National Development Plan 2021-2030. The investment is considered a key enabler of the role of Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology in driving economic growth, particularly at regional level. It will significantly expand student enrolment capacity across the participating institutions, with a focus on areas of key skills needs (particularly STEM).
There are currently 11 projects being advanced through the PPP programme divided across two bundles. Bundle 1, consists of six projects and is currently under construction. Bundle 2 consists of five projects, one of which is for ATU Galway. The project in Galway includes a new 5,540m2 STEM Building and will consist of undergraduate and postgraduate science labs, general teaching space, learning resource space, administration space and ancillary space. The new building will cater for circa 764 students.
The final tender for Bundle 2 was received in March 2024 and is currently being evaluated. Assuming a satisfactory conclusion of the procurement process, construction durations for the five Bundle 2 projects vary across the facilities from 26 – 36 months.
Grant Payments
Questions (47)
Pauline Tully
Question:47. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider altering the residency rule for the student grant scheme to enable a person to qualify for the grant is they can show that they have been resident in the State for at least two years out of the five-year period ending on the day before their course starts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23286/24]
View answerWritten answers
The requirement for three out of the past five years takes cognisance of and provides a generous degree of flexibility for students who may wish to take time out to travel or work outside the State. These students can still meet the residency requirement if they have not been outside the State for more than two of the previous five years.
The residency requirements of the Student Grant Scheme seek to ensure that those applying for a grant assistance will have a more established linkage with and integration into the State, a concept recognised in EU law and accepted across the EU.
Under Article 32 of the Student Grant Scheme there is provision for a review of eligibility for students who did not meet the residency requirement at the commencement of their studies to have their eligibility for grant assistance reviewed if they meet the residency requirement during the course of their studies.
Any amendments or extension to the student grant legislation would have financial implications and would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary constraints and competing demands on available funding.
Further and Higher Education
Questions (48)
Catherine Connolly
Question:48. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 45 of 27 February 2024, the status of the proposed new further education college in Galway city; the status of the review by SOLAS and his Department of the project proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23052/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that over the course of 2023, Galway Roscommon ETB (GRETB) were supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for the construction of a new FET College of the Future on a site owned by GRETB adjacent to its Mervue Training facility. The development of a robust PBC is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The Galway proposal is one of twelve FET College of the Future major projects that submitted their business case proposals to SOLAS in January of this year. GRETB have undertaken significant work in developing their proposal which outlines their infrastructural requirements for FET provision in their region.
In late April and early May of this year, meetings were held between SOLAS and DFHERIS officials and representatives from each of the twelve ETBs to further develop and refine proposals. Discussions at these meetings centred around ensuring that proposals are aligned with national and regional policies, are affordable and provide value for money. SOLAS will be in contact with all twelve ETBs shortly including GRETB to provide feedback from these discussions. This feedback will allow ETBs to update their business cases, to bring a clearer focus on proposals, and to achieve the development of required priority infrastructure, that meet the needs of their current and future FET learners.
Once business cases are updated, they will be evaluated by SOLAS and my department and those proposals that meet the required evaluation criteria will move to the next stage of development, which is the Pre-tender – Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy Stage.