Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
28. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the work being done to ensure the most efficient use of further and higher education facilities, including, for example, at night and weekends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14618/25]
View answerHigher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies who regulate their own administrative and academic affairs, including in relation to issues such as timetabling and usage of space.
My Department supports Further and Higher Education Institutions in delivering courses which are flexible to suit learners needs, whether full time, part time, evening or weekend. Many HEIs already provide learning opportunities at evenings and weekends.
A variety of methods are used by Education and Training Boards and Higher Education Institutes to manage facility utilisation rates. SOLAS and the HEA work closely with these institutions to ensure facilities are used to their fullest potential. For example, the HEA funded an asset utilisation survey in the academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25, to help individual Higher Education Institutions better understand their own building usage during the working day. A report on this survey is expected to be published, later this year. Robust examination of learner demand analysis and consideration against space requirements is undertaken for all Further and Higher Education Project work as part of the appraisal process of applications.
My Department is committed to providing diverse and flexible education pathways that meet the needs of individuals, employers, and society. This includes expanding options for individuals to avail of learning outside of traditional full-time education. Some of the initiatives to support this include Springboard+, Micro-credentials and the Student Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses.
