Written Answers Nos. 195-206
196. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the delivery of the long delayed, joint centre of excellence for diabetes care at Sligo University Hospital and Letterkenny University Hospital. [50840/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
197. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health to outline the proposals to provide orthodontic services for children in Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50842/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
198. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the purpose built student complexes that are now additionally charging for utilities on top of rent; if he is aware that this is becoming commonplace with a university (details supplied) and other institutes being charged unaffordable service charges as well as rent, putting another financial burden on students and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50665/25]
View answerI have recently been made aware of the increase in monthly payments for on-campus student accommodation at Dublin City University, and I am deeply concerned by this development.
It should be emphasised that Higher Education Institutions are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997. As an autonomous institution, universities are academically independent and are entitled to regulate their own academic affairs and administrative processes including decisions and other aspects, including student accommodation. Notwithstanding this, I have formally written to DCU regarding the increases in accommodation related fees.
It is my understanding that the University of Limerick is the only University that includes utility charges in the monthly accommodation price, while the remaining Universities with student accommodation charge a separate utility fee.
Officials from my Department have reached out to officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to arrange a meeting to discuss this matter.
It is important to note that student-specific accommodation falls under the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), which offers a confidential dispute resolution service.
The RTB has the authority to investigate breaches of rental law, including improper conduct such as unlawful rent increases in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs). Where breaches are identified, landlords may face sanctions of up to €15,000, in addition to associated costs. Investigations can be initiated based on information provided by members of the public.
If a student believes that rent or additional fees are being used to circumvent RPZ regulations, they are entitled to bring a case to the RTB or report the matter for investigation.
I strongly encourage any student, or parent of a student, who has concerns about their accommodation to contact the RTB for guidance or to lodge a formal complaint.
199. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware that students will be offered a tiered system as silver, gold and platinum, with each tier reflecting a price increase at accommodation (details supplied); to explain the second phase of the village project that is supported by €67.7 million of taxpayer money, which will, once completed cost students €250,000 per bedroom on university-owned land under the highest tier of this system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50666/25]
View answer200. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a tiered accommodation model at a location (details supplied) was not identified as a compliance concern within the State-sponsored accommodation framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50667/25]
View answerI propse to take Question No 199 and Question No 200 together.
To help with the supply of accommodation in the short term, the Government committed to provide funding to Higher Education Institutes to build student accommodation that had planning permission but could not proceed due to the high cost of construction. Subsequently, €100m in capital investment from the National Development Plan was committed over the period 2024-2026 for the Short-Term Activation Programme.
The 116-bed project in Maynooth University, Buckley House, was officially opened on the 8th of September and is the first completed project under the Short-Term Activation Programme, marking a dynamic step forward in enhancing student accommodation and campus life.
The second project approved was the 493-bed project on the Belfield campus at University College Dublin. Each of the bedrooms in this project is a Single Occupancy Study Bedroom with ensuite arranged in apartment clusters typically ranging from 4-8 bedrooms. The total exchequer funding for this project is €67million.
I can assure the Deputy that both of these projects were subject to a comprehensive due diligence process as part of the Short-Term Activation Programme.
It is envisaged that pricing for the 493-beds will be set at a single band. The Higher Education Authority, on behalf of my Department, continue to work with UCD in relation to this project, including the provision of rooms to National Access Plan students at below market rates in line with the terms of the funding.
201. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department will provide detailed information on the number of unoccupied purpose-built student complexes currently in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50668/25]
View answerThere are no unoccupied publicly owned Purpose Built Student Accommodation complexes in the state.
Privately owned PBSA are a matter for their owners and are outside my remit. I do not have the information sought as to how many unoccupied complexes are in the State at present.
202. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which his Department intends to address the serious situation of unoccupied PBSA buildings and complexes (details supplied) that have become vacant for one year and then becoming repurposed for the private rental market and therefore entitled to charge higher rents as they are not officially purpose built student accommodation anymore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50669/25]
View answerIn 2023, following extensive engagement, officials from my Department and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth agreed a protocol on the use of student accommodation for humanitarian accommodation. It was agreed that student accommodation must be vacant for 12 months before it can be considered for use for humanitarian purposes. The operator of the accommodation referred to in Sligo did not rent to students for over 12 months before repurposing it for private rental.
While I am aware of the complexity of the housing demands across the two policy areas, it is imperative that student accommodation is retained and available for essential student use during each academic year in the future.
Responsibility for humanitarian accommodation has transferred to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. Information relating to Benbulben Court and Milligan Court can be requested from the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, contactable by email at info@justice.ie.
Clarion Village is privately owned and operated student accommodation and as such is outside of my remit as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the rented residential sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022, to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants. Registered landlords and all tenants can apply to the RTB for dispute resolution.
Student specific accommodation is within the remit of the RTB. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 provides for relevant rights and obligations to apply to tenancy and licence agreements in student-specific accommodation, provided by public educational institutions and private accommodation providers.
The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 legally tightened the exemptions from rent controls in RPZs. The rent controls operate within and across tenancies. Since 2019, an exemption applies to the first rent setting only in respect of a tenancy of a dwelling where:
• no tenancy existed in respect of the dwelling during the two years immediately prior to this current tenancy beginning;
• no tenancy existed in respect of the dwelling where the dwelling is a protected structure, or is in a protected structure or is a proposed protected structure during the 12 months immediately prior to the current tenancy beginning (a protected structure is defined in the Planning and Development Act 2000); or
• there has been a substantial change in the nature of rental accommodation.
Part 7A of the Residential Tenancies Acts empowers the RTB to investigate improper conduct by landlords and to impose sanctions, if warranted. Significantly, the investigation can be initiated by the RTB without a complaint having to be made. The RTB's Investigations and Sanctions Unit can start an investigation either as a result of information received from members of the public or on foot of information gathered from records that the RTB has access to under the Residential Tenancies Acts. That unit investigates certain potential breaches of rental law by a landlord referred to as ‘improper conduct’ under Schedule 2 to the Acts, including the contravention of the rent increase restrictions in RPZs and exemptions thereto and the seeking of payments in contravention of section 19B of the Acts.
In addition, planning permission may be required when there is a change of use to a property. The Planning and Development Acts labels works or change of use as “development”. Development requires a grant of planning permission unless it is exempt under the Acts. For further information, Sligo County Council Planning Division can be contacted at [planning@sligococo.ie].
203. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his Department’s plans to seek advice from the Housing Minister on whether additional service charges and rent hikes at PBSA (details supplied) conflict with the 2% rent pressure zones commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50670/25]
View answerI have recently been made aware of the increase in monthly payments for on-campus student accommodation at Dublin City University, and I am deeply concerned by this development.
It should be emphasised that Higher Education Institutions are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997. As an autonomous institution, universities are academically independent and are entitled to regulate their own academic affairs and administrative processes including decisions and other aspects, including student accommodation. Notwithstanding this, I have formally written to DCU regarding the increases in accommodation related fees.
I can confirm that officials from my Department will be meeting with officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the coming weeks to discuss this matter.
Student-specific accommodation, including publicly owned student accommodation, falls under the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), which offers a confidential dispute resolution service. The RTB has the authority to investigate breaches of rental law, including improper conduct such as unlawful rent increases in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs). Where breaches are identified, landlords may face sanctions of up to €15,000, in addition to associated costs. Investigations can be initiated based on information provided by members of the public.
If a student believes that rent or additional fees are being used to circumvent RPZ regulations, they are entitled to bring a case to the RTB or report the matter for investigation. I strongly encourage any student, or parent of a student, who has concerns about their accommodation fees to contact the RTB for guidance or to lodge a formal complaint.
In relation to UCD, I have sought clarification on the matter of utility charges and UCD has confirmed that the University has accounted for and advertised utility and rent charges separately for many years now.
204. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the initiatives being developed to ensure workers in County Meath have access to upskilling opportunities in growth sectors such as green energy, technological development and science; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50682/25]
View answerMy Department supports a broad range of initiatives across Ireland to ensure that workers are equipped with the skills required to meet the needs of growth sectors such as green energy, technological development and science.
Ireland has the benefit of a strong, diverse skills ecosystem that is designed to support enterprise at all stages of skills development. This includes full-time & part-time programmes and micro-credentials from further and higher education as well as targeted supports such as SOLAS’s Skills to Advance, or from industry collaboration with Skillnet Ireland which has provided upskilling programmes to nearly 98,000 workers across 26,000 companies in 2024.
DFHERIS also supports regional development through a network of Regional Skills Fora across Ireland. These provide a link between enterprise and education supports, ensuring that the needs of regional enterprises across Ireland are met as they grow and sustain their businesses.
Within Co. Meath specifically, Louth-Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) offers a range of Further Education and Training (FET) initiatives to support upskilling in green energy, technological development and science. For example, Dunboyne College of Further Education offers over 60 full-time QQI Level 5 and 6 courses in Science, Engineering, and IT, designed to meet local industry needs.
Addressing digital transformation is a strong component of the Programme for Government. This relates to all aspects of technology adoption for all kinds of businesses and public services. Currently, there are three digital literacy/fundamental ICT courses available through LMETB. as well as apprenticeships in new areas like Cyber Security. Adult Literacy Services also support IT skills for those in employment.
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) in Navan and LMETB traineeships in Engineering Manufacturing and White Goods Field Service Engineering offer pathways to employment or further study, with QQI certification on completion.
These offerings are in addition to the programmes in the Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (AMCTE) run by LMETB. The AMTCE supports people to reskill or upskill in the new emerging technologies used in industry 4.0 and enables people to develop new careers in advanced manufacturing through apprenticeships and traineeships.
Green and sustainability-focussed skills are essential for meeting Climate Action Plan targets and for the green transition. My Department works with the tertiary sector to develop the necessary skills so that the future workforce is equipped to support the green transition – from developing transferable green skills for life to specific requirements for emerging green sectors such as retrofit and renewable energy.
For example, a suite of green skills programmes has been developed by SOLAS in collaboration with enterprise partners and new green skills micro-qualifications are being rolled out by all 16 Education and Training Boards.
In recent years, the Government has emphasised the importance of green skills in higher education to meet the demands of the modern workforce. Springboard+ 2025 is providing almost 8,000 places on 249 courses, including part-time micro-credentials and full-time courses. Courses on offer include a range of critical skills areas, including green skills, ICT skills, advanced manufacturing, food technology and pharmaceuticals. Springboard+ is open to the unemployed, employed and those returning to the workforce, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. This national skills development programme has demonstrated strong outcomes in learner progression and graduate employability, with most participants securing employment or progressing to further study upon completion. Courses of particular relevance to learners in Co. Meath include those offered by Dublin providers, as well as by Maynooth University and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
Maynooth University is also progressing a strategic alignment with Dundalk Institute of Technology. Minister Lawless attended the opening of a Regional Research Graduate Academy for the joint registering and training of postgraduate research students between Maynooth University and DkIT earlier this year.
205. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a person (details supplied) who was born and lived in Ireland most of their life would be entitled to apply for SUSI even though they were not in Ireland for the past three of the five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50801/25]
View answerAn official from my Department have been in correspondence with the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) and they have advised that their SUSI Access Officer team is available to help support the student referred to by the Deputy with completing and submitting their application.
The student can email the team at [access.officer@susi.ie] and request a hardcopy of the SUSI application form.
The Access Officer team will then support them in completing the hardcopy application form and will keep them updated on the progress of their application once it has been submitted.
206. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current number of first year, second year, third year, and fourth year apprentices who have completed the required on-the-job training for that year, but have yet to be called by Solas to undertake their block release training, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50833/25]
View answerCurrently, the median aggregate completion time for an apprenticeship is 228 weeks, including a 12 to 16 week period required for Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) validation and processing, indicating that most apprentices are completing their apprenticeship within a timely period.
Craft apprenticeships involve scheduled off-the-job training according to the specific programme and agreements between the apprentice, employer, and training provider. Apprentices must complete a minimum of 208 weeks of continuous employment and successfully pass through seven phases, each serving as a prerequisite for the next. The off-the-job training at phases 2, 4, and 6 totals 40 weeks, which constitutes 20% of the entire apprenticeship programme.
Unlike other educational programmes, craft apprenticeships do not have fixed intake periods. Apprentices can be registered by their employers at any time of the year and they are scheduled for off-the-job training based on their registration date. The minimum times provided are guidelines to ensure sufficient exposure to all necessary components at each phase. An apprentice who has successfully completed the minimum on-the-job training period becomes eligible for scheduling to the next off-the-job phase. Therefore, neither off-the-job nor on-the-job components are defined in years of study.
However, I can provide numbers for apprentices currently eligible for phases 2, 4 and 6 off-the-job training. These figures are provided in tabular form below. All figures are for end-August 2025. In the context of the below figures, it is important to note that apprentices being eligible for off-the-job training does not necessarily mean that there is a delay - it is necessary to have a healthy pipeline of apprentices eligible for off-the-job training to ensure that this training can be scheduled efficiently, and cost effectively.
|
Number of apprentices eligible for Phase 2 off-the-job training |
Number of apprentices eligible for Phase 4 off-the-job training |
Number of apprentices eligible for Phase 6 off-the-job training |
Total |
|
4,215 |
1,431 |
155 |
5,801 |
