Written Answers Nos. 577-596
577. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of increasing the Student Assistance fund by €2.5 million, €5 million and €7.5 million. [38902/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the Deputy’s information please see figures below:
|
Student Assistance Fund (SAF) Core Funding |
€9,100,000 |
|
Overall cost to Exchequer by increasing SAF by €2.5m |
€11,600,000 |
|
Overall cost to Exchequer by increasing SAF by €5m |
€14,100,000 |
|
Overall cost to Exchequer by increasing SAF by €7.5m |
€16,600,000 |
578. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of increasing the fund for students with disabilities by 25%, 50%, and 75%. [38903/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the Deputy’s information please see figures below:
|
Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) Core Funding |
€8,040,900 |
|
Cost to Exchequer by increasing FSD by 25% |
€10,051,125 |
|
Cost to Exchequer by increasing FSD by 50% |
€12,061,350 |
|
Cost to Exchequer by increasing FSD by 75% |
€14,071,575 |
579. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of increasing funding to the fund for students with disabilities by €1 million, €3 million and €5 million to support more DARE applicants. [38904/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a higher education admissions scheme for Leaving Certificate students (under 23) whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. The scheme is run by the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) participating in the scheme and is not within the remit of my Department.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is open to all students in HEI's and not just those that enter via the DARE route.
For the Deputy’s information please see figures below:
|
Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) Core Funding |
€8,040,900 |
|
Cost to Exchequer by increasing FSD by €1m |
€9,040,900 |
|
Cost to Exchequer by increasing FSD by €3m |
€11,040,900 |
|
Cost to Exchequer by increasing FSD by €5m |
€13,040,900 |
580. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of raising PhD stipends to €25,000, €30,000 and €35,000. [38905/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2022, an independent and comprehensive National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers was announced; the first time that this issue has been considered holistically in this manner. The first report of the Co-Chairs, Dr Andrea Johnson and Mr David Cagney, was published in summer 2023. In it, they recommended an increase towards an optimum PhD stipend level of €25,000, subject to funding availability.
In Budget 2024, funding was secured to increase the PhD stipend offered by my competitive research funding agency (now Research Ireland), from €19,000 to €22,000 annually, i.e. a 15.8% increase. This builds on the increase secured under Budget 2023, demonstrating my Department's clear and consistent commitment to this issue. My officials continue to engage with the budgetary processes with the aim of progressing the matter further.
Of the approximately 10,000 annual doctoral enrolments in Ireland, approximately 3,000 are funded by Research Ireland, who in 2024 are receiving a competitively awarded stipend of €22,000. This means that funding the 3,000 Research Ireland doctoral stipends is costing the Exchequer €66m this year (3,000 x €22,000).
The estimated cost to the Exchequer of increasing Research Ireland's competitive PhD stipend awards further, from the 2024 figure of €22,000, would be as follows:
• Up to €25,000 would cost an additional €9,000,000. (3,000 X €3,000)
• Up to €30,000 would cost an additional €24,000,000. (3,000 X €8,000)
• Up to €35,000 would cost an additional €39,000,000. (3,000 X €13,000).
581. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of abolishing student contribution fees for apprenticeships. [38906/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding for the National Apprenticeship programme is determined through the annual Estimates process, led by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform.
In advance of Budget 2025 on the 1st October, my department published the Funding the Future - An annual options paper on the cost of higher education 2024, on the 16th September, which can be found on Gov.ie.
This paper outlines the various measures possible to reduce the cost of education. This was done in order to facilitate public discussion about the various choices available to improve student supports. Stakeholders had direct input into this document at the options day held by my department in April of this year. These options are being taken into consideration in the context of Budget 2025 discussions.
The figure given to abolishing the fee for apprentices attending higher education was €14,243,750.
582. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason SOLAS has not provided funding to Cavan-Monaghan Education and Training Board, which has resulted in the postponement of some autumn courses and the tutors on the affected courses being laid-off without any indication as to how long they will be laid-off; and the actions he is taking to ensure this funding is provided by SOLAS without delay. [38974/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my Department has significantly increased its investment in the Further Education and Training (FET) sector in the last number of years, from circa €909 million in 2020 to €1,055 million in 2024 (excluding capital allocation).
As the state agency responsible for the FET sector in Ireland, SOLAS allocates the bulk of this funding to the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETB) to deliver FET programmes and services at local level, based on agreed learner numbers and programmes.
SOLAS have confirmed that the 2024 allocation for Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) is €35.026m, increased from €34.15m in 2023 (excluding capital). The administration and allocation of this funding across different FET programmes is a matter for the individual ETB.
However, I am aware that there is a significant funding pressure in the FET sector this and I am working with my officials and SOLAS to address the overall funding need in the forthcoming Supplementary Estimates, with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
583. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the available grant options for intending students who wish to pursue part-time master's degree courses, given the fact that many people are not in the financial position to give up work in order to pursue a full-time master's degree course. [38978/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support in place at present for part-time students on master’s courses is Springboard+. This is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. It offers free and heavily subsidised upskilling and reskilling higher education opportunities in areas of identified skills need. Courses range from Level 6 to Level 9 on the NFQ, which include master’s degree courses, with the majority of these courses being delivered on a flexible and part-time basis.
My Department is continually monitoring the student supports available in order to make improvements where possible, subject to budgetary constraints.
Up until recently, there was no fee support for students undertaking part-time courses. As the Deputy may be aware, I recently launched the new Part Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses. This Scheme is limited to undergraduate courses at present as the Student Support Act 2011 only allows for part-time courses at undergraduate level to be approved. Any future extension to postgraduate courses would require a change to the Student Support Act 2011.
Students on part-time postgraduate programmes may also be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Applications can be made to this Fund through the Access Office in a student’s higher education institution.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education.
584. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if allowances can be made for students applying for SUSI grants if they are from defective block homes and availing of the enhanced defective concrete block grant scheme in the affected counties of Donegal, Mayo, Clare and Limerick. [39021/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe are working on compiling a response to the question raised, and have reverted to the Deputy's Constituency Office seeking further information. We will respond to the Deputy once this information has been provided to my officials.
585. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the contact he or any Minister in his Department have had with any minister or official in the government of Israel since January 2014; the nature of these contacts, the purpose of these contacts; if a record was kept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39072/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the establishment of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in 2020, five invitations from the Israeli Embassy or officials have been received for the Minister to attend official and other Embassy cultural events. However, the Minster has not attended any event.
586. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of funding issues within the Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board that resulted in adult education tutors and students being informed at short notice that courses would not commence; his proposals to resolve this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39125/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my Department has significantly increased its investment in the Further Education and Training (FET) sector in the last number of years, from circa €909 million in 2020 to €1,055 million in 2024 (excluding capital allocation).
As the state agency responsible for the FET sector in Ireland, SOLAS allocates the bulk of this funding to the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETB) to deliver FET programmes and services at local level, based on agreed learner numbers and programmes.
SOLAS have confirmed that the 2024 allocation for Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) is €35.026m, increased from €34.15m in 2023 (excluding capital). The administration and allocation of this funding across different FET programmes is a matter for the individual ETB.
However, I am aware that there is a significant funding pressure in the FET sector this and I am working with my officials and SOLAS to address the overall funding need in the forthcoming Supplementary Estimates, with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
587. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he, his special advisory teams, or senior officials have consulted with, received briefings or sought advice from an external communications expert or communications consultancy company, or a public relations or public affairs company, in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; the costs associated with those interactions; the names of those that have been engaged with; the subject matter or topics the engagements related to, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39134/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my Department's formation in 2020, there have been 2 engagements with a consultancy company as outlined in the Deputy's question, namely Crowe, who developed reports prepared to inform the internal departmental decision-making, organisation design and policy development.
Further detail can found below in tabular form.
|
Section |
Year |
Title |
Cost |
Company |
|
Organisation Development |
2023 |
Strategic Visioning Workshop Report |
€6,119.25 |
Crowe |
|
Organisation Development |
2021 |
Organisational Design Report |
€111,277.00 |
Crowe |
The following revised reply was received on 9 October 2024.
An incorrect figure was provided in the response and flagged two reports instead of just one which accurately responds to the question. I would like to correct this and amend the response to the question.
Since my Department's formation in 2020, there has been one engagement with a consultancy company as outlined in the Deputy's question, namely Crowe, who developed a report prepared to inform the internal departmental decision-making, organisation design and policy development. Further detail can found below in tabular form.
|
Company |
Date |
Report Completed |
Purpose |
Publication Status |
Total Cost |
|
Crowe Ireland |
March 2021 |
July 2021 |
Provision of consultancy services in support of the organisational design of the newly-formed department |
Internal report |
€122,754. |
588. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is aware of reports of an increasing number of XL bully dogs being abandoned across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38022/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of some reports in the media in relation to XL Bully type dogs that have been abandoned or allowed to stray. There are provisions within the Control of Dogs Act to deal with any owner found to be abandoning their dog or allowing it to roam, and these provisions will be fully enforced. Any dog found straying, or abandoned, will be seized by a dog warden or a member of An Garda Síochána. That dog may then be disposed of or destroyed in a humane manner after five days if not claimed and any charges paid. Any member of the public who sees a stray or abandoned dog should immediately report it to the Dog Warden in the relevant Local Authority.
The new Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024 make it a specific offence for a person to own, keep, purchase, dispose of (whether by sale or otherwise), abandon, allow to stray, breed or import an XL Bully after 1st October 2024.
The ban comes into force in two stages beginning today, the 1st October 2024, with a full ownership ban coming into force on the 1st February 2025.
The period between these two dates will allow current XL Bully type dog owners time to apply for a Certificate of Exemption from their local authority to permit them to keep their dog until the end of its natural life.
All XL Bully type dog owners will be required to licence, microchip and neuter their dogs. Further information on the criteria to qualify and the documentation needed for a Certificate of Exemption application is available on gov.ie/xlbully.
I am committed to improving Dog Control in Ireland and in this context I recently announced €2 million in capital funding to local authorities to expand and improve their dog pounds and dog warden facilities. This funding is in addition to the €2 million I announced for dog warden facilities in November last year (2023) and comes as a direct response to increased pressures on dog control services and will make immediate and tangible improvements to the dog control service across the country.
In July of this year, together with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD, I also announced further funding of €2 million for local authorities to support the resourcing of dog warden services from 2025. This funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce the ban on XL Bully type dogs.
589. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if, in relation to the Government-proposed ban on XL bully dogs, she will publish full details in relation to this, including information about whether exports will be banned. [38759/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe XL Bully type dog ban comes into force in two stages beginning today, the 1st October 2024, with a full ownership ban coming into force on the 1st February 2025.
The period between these two dates will allow current XL Bully type dog owners time to apply for a Certificate of Exemption from their local authority to permit them to keep their dog until the end of its natural life. There will be no application fee for the Certificate of Exemption.
Following engagement with Animal Welfare organisations and shelters, existing XL Bully type dogs already in these facilities on 1st October can be rehomed or exported subject to strict criteria until 1st February 2025.
All XL Bully type dogs must have a Certificate of Exemption or proof of application for the Certificate of Exemption after the 1st February 2025, including those that are in the care of shelters/animal welfare organisations.
All XL Bully type dog owners will be required to licence, microchip and neuter their dogs. Further information on the XL Bully type dog ban, including the criteria to qualify and the documentation required to be provided by the owner with their application for a Certificate of Exemption, is available on gov.ie/xlbully.
Once a dog has a Certificate of Exemption, its owner (including a shelter/animal welfare organisation) may keep the dog until the end of its natural life. The regulations do not prohibit the export of XL Bully type dogs. If an owner (including a shelter/animal welfare organisation) chooses to export an XL Bully type dog, they are required under the regulations to give notice in writing to the local authority that issued the Certificate of Exemption not later than 30 days after such export.
590. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the up-to-date position with a project in County Kildare (details supplied); the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38867/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major programme of investment, established under the National Development Plan, to support large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.
The Fund was designed to deliver on the National Strategic Objective in the National Development Plan to Strengthen Rural Economies and Communities. RRDF directly supports the objectives of Our Rural Future, the Government’s five year strategy for rural development and Town Centre First policy which aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and revitalise town centres.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2.
• Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed.
• Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
The project referenced by the Deputy has been awarded €9.1 million in Category 1 RRDF funding to complete the 46km length of the Barrow Blueway between Athy and Lowtown. Kildare County Council has submitted a number of funding drawdown requests as work on the project has progressed and has advised that this project will be completed in 2025.
591. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she, or her Department, has received or sent any correspondence to/from Eirgrid, ESB, ESB Networks, or major projects in relation to the North South Interconnector since she took office; the dates upon which such correspondence was issued or received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38933/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that neither I, nor my Department, has received or sent any correspondence to or from Eirgrid, ESB, ESB Networks, or major projects in relation to the North South Interconnector since taking office.
592. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there are any grant supports available for community groups who are carrying out large infrastructural development projects to assist with the expensive professional services fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38989/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a number of capital programmes designed to support community groups who are involved in large infrastructural development projects, and within these schemes there is provision for professional fees associated with project delivery.
This includes the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) and the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) and the LEADER programme.
The RRDF provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland. Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 typically relates to large scale ambitious multi-million euro capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place. Category 2 provides grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
The TVRS supports the revitalisation of our towns and villages with grants of up to €500,000. It includes a 'Project Development Measure' to assist applicants to bring projects to a shovel ready stage.
The ORIS provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and other amenities at our rivers, beaches, lakes and forests. It also includes a 'Project Development Measure' which provides funding for the detailed development of projects to bring them to a shovel-ready stage. Such work might encompass detailed design, preparation for the planning and/or procurement, appropriate assessment etc.
Since 2022, the CCIF has provided capital funding for improvement and refurbishment works on over 860 existing community centres across Ireland and the construction of 12 new community centres. Last June, a further €20 million in capital funding was announced to support community groups to upgrade and refurbish the community facilities in their areas. This includes a provision for funding professional fees and the submitted applications are currently being assessed.
The LEADER programme is based on a community-led approach to rural development and plays an important role in supporting initiatives that will have the greatest impact on a community’s development. Community groups are eligible to apply for funding under the LEADER programme for infrastructural development projects. Costs such as the fees of architects, archaeologists, engineers and consultants, may be considered eligible for funding up to a ceiling of 12% of the capital costs of Leader funded projects.
Details on each of these funds can be found on my Department's website.
593. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the requirement for third party liability insurance for XL bully dog owners who have obtained a certificate of exemption for their dog; if there is no requirement, the reason this alignment with UK law has been omitted from the Irish scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38993/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra594. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reasons local authorities may refuse to grant a certificate of exemption to a dog owner under the XL bully ban; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38994/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra595. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if previous complaints or orders against either an owner or an individual dog would be a reason that local authorities may refuse to grant a certificate of exemption to a dog owner under the XL bully ban; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38995/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra596. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the terms of a tenancy between the local authority and a tenant will be considered as a reason that local authorities may refuse to grant a certificate of exemption to a dog owner under the XL bully ban; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38996/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra597. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if persons under the age of 16 years will be permitted to conduct a dog on a lead in a public setting under the new XL bully ban; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38997/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra598. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline the appeals process for dog owners under the new XL bully ban where a dog meets some, but not all, of the nominated attributes; what guidance she has provided to local authorities on this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38998/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra599. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if all certificates of exemption under the XL bully ban are transferable between local authority areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38999/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra600. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline the guidance her Department has received on GDPR as it relates to the XL bully ban from the Data Commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39000/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra601. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will clarify who, dog warden or senior staff member, within a local authority will sign the final order for a dog to be seized under the new XL bully ban; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39001/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599, 600 and 601 together.
The XL Bully type dog ban comes into force in two stages beginning today, the 1st October 2024, with a full ownership ban coming into force on the 1st February 2025.
The period between these two dates will allow current XL Bully type dog owners time to apply for a Certificate of Exemption from their Local Authority to permit them to keep their dog until the end of its natural life. I have decided that there will be no application fee for the Certificate of Exemption.
All XL Bully type dogs must have a Certificate of Exemption or proof of application for the Certificate of Exemption from the 1st February 2025.
In both the UK and Northern Ireland, one of the criteria for the granting of a Certificate of Exemption is the requirement to have third-party public liability insurance. This is provided through the Companion Club in the Dogs Trust, however, this option is not available to owners of XL Bully type dogs in the Republic of Ireland. For that reason, I decided that it was not fair to owners of XL Bully type dogs to impose a requirement in the regulations that was not attainable.
All XL Bully type dog owners will be required to licence, microchip and neuter their dogs. Further information on the XL Bully type dog ban, including the criteria to qualify and the documentation to be included with their application for a Certificate of Exemption is available on gov.ie/xlbully.
If an application for a Certificate of Exemption is refused for any reason, the owner will be notified in writing by their Local Authority. Such owners may re-apply if they are subsequently able to address the reason why the application was refused for example if documentation was missing from the original application.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department has overall policy responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts. Local Authorities have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Acts including enforcement. The terms of a tenancy between a Local Authority and a tenant are a matter for each Local Authority.
The owner of an XL Bully type dog must ensure that the premises at which the XL Bully type dog is kept are appropriate for the welfare of the dog, and that such premises are secured in a manner which prevents the dog from escaping.
As a cross of restricted breeds, XL Bully type dogs are already subject to the existing additional controls. This means when in a public place, these dogs must be securely muzzled, being led by a sufficiently strong chain or leash, not exceeding two metres in length, by a person over the age of sixteen years who is capable of controlling the dog.
Owners should use the Physical Conformation Standard to determine if their dog is an XL Bully type. It is the owner’s responsibility to determine if their dog is covered by the ban. If owners think their dog could be an XL Bully type dog, they should comply with all new requirements. This includes puppies that have the potential to become an XL Bully type dog.
If the owner of an XL Bully type dog in possession of a Certificate of Exemption changes their place of residence for more than 30 days, they must make an application for a new Certificate of Exemption to include the address of their new place of residence. If the owner's new place of residence is located in a different Local Authority area to the Local Authority that issued the original Certificate of Exemption, the owner must make the application for a new Certificate to their new Local Authority and send a copy of the application, marked “For Information Only”, to the Local Authority which issued the original Certificate.
My Department is committed to protecting the rights and privacy of all its data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2018. My Department has a Data Protection Policy in place and a Data Protection Officer as required by Article 37 of the GDPR. Any processing of personal data is performed in compliance with the principles relating to processing under the GDPR.
Finally, I can confirm that a dog warden may seize and detain an XL Bully type dog which does not have a Certificate of Exemption on and after 1st February 2025.
Detailed answers to frequently asked questions regarding Ireland's XL Bully regulations are available on gov.ie/xlbully.
