Written Answers Nos. 836-859
836. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of doubling the number of healthcare college places in nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and health and social care professions. [42414/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHigher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous institutions responsible for their own academic affairs including the curriculum and student numbers on individual courses. The costs incurred by a HEI in increasing student places on a particular course or establishing an additional course can vary depending on a variety factors including the type of course and the individual circumstances of the relevant HEI.
Where additionally is required on courses or a new course is required, specific engagement with the sector and external stakeholders is very often required. This process allows for a deeper consideration of wider issues such as capacity, staffing, other supports, availability of placements, capital investment in buildings and equipment etc. It is therefore, not possible to definitively calculate the costs of increasing or doubling places, in the absence of a specific engagement with the sector.
The delivery of healthcare programmes is complex and requires multiple parts of the health and education systems working together.
It should be noted that in recent years there has been a substantial expansion of key healthcare places in Higher Education Institutions in Ireland.
On 18th October 2024, following recommendations received from the HEA, I announced that several universities will establish new programmes in key healthcare areas. These programmes were a new Bachelor of Dental Surgery in RCSI, new Pharmacy programmes in South East Technological University, Atlantic Technological University and the University of Galway, a new Rural and Remote Graduate Entry Medicine stream in the University of Galway, and Direct Entry Medicine in the University of Limerick.
This announcement I believe demonstrates our shared ambition and commitment to improving healthcare for those in our communities, and providing students with more opportunities to study in Ireland for those who are passionate to work in healthcare professions.
It builds on additionality delivered in recent years which has seen over 460 permanent new higher education healthcare places created in September 2023 in Irish HEIs, and further capacity created in Northern Ireland, where an additional 25 medicine places are being funded by the Irish state in Queens University Belfast, and a further 25 students next year, as well as an additional 80 places in allied healthcare disciplines in Ulster University in September 2023 were created for students from this jurisdiction.
Enhancing student capacity to meet projected workforce demand is a key consideration of workforce planning and is key to enabling further expansion on these programmes. Practice education placements are essential to support clinical skills development and the application of theory to patient care and attainment of regulatory required standards of proficiency where applicable.
Extensive engagement is ongoing between officials in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and officials in the Department of Health, as well as the HSE and higher education sector. Work is underway on the oversight and infrastructure for clinical placements to enable further expansion.
837. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is working to resolve outstanding issues whereby an existing adult literacy tutor with ten years or less of service left will be financially disadvantaged in terms of pension entitlements if they convert to adult educator; if so, when he expects these issues to be resolved; if those so affected can convert at a later date, without penalty, once these issues have been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42436/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question. As he appreciates, there is a complex historical issue relating to pensions and adult education tutors. I understand that the maximum amount tutors can work in contact hours with learners is 20 hours per week under their existing contracts. In recognition of the associated work they do, such as programme development, class preparation, assessment and participation in continuous professional development, these tutors are paid at a multiplier of 1.75 of an hourly rate.
For pay purposes, these tutors did not have a whole time equivalent (WTE) comparator. For the purpose of calculating pensions only, a WTE of 35 hours was introduced over the calendar year in 2014. With the introduction of the new Adult Educator grade earlier this year, which is a direct result of an Industrial Relations agreement with the trade union representing this grade of staff, it is considered that there is now a WTE comparator for tutors. As a result changes must be made to the pension calculations. Officials in my Department, the Department of Education, Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), and Education Shared Business Services (ESBS) are currently working on this issue. Existing tutors are being given the option of remaining on their existing terms and conditions or converting to the new Adult Educator grade.
838. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will reply to the attached correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42497/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe higher education tuition fee payable by a student can vary depending on a variety of factors including the type of course and the student's access route. The assessment of a student’s application and the determination of the appropriate fee rate is a function of the institution attended.
As the Deputy may be aware there are typically two rates of fee, an EU Rate of Fee or a non-EU rate of tuition fee. Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs. This includes setting the criteria a person must meet to be regarded as an EU or a Non-EU tuition fee student.
The criteria may vary by institution, and I understand that an institution’s criteria will generally include specified nationality and/or residency requirements that students would be expected to meet to qualify for the EU rate of fee. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible for my Department to intervene in the fee policy of the institutions or to advise on the specific criteria of individual institutions.
Where a student has a query in relation to an institution's EU or non-EU fee policy, they can contact the institution they wish to attend for advice appropriate to their own individual circumstances.
839. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress of discussions between a union (details supplied) and officials from his Department on the alignment of the Youthreach calendar year with the second level calendar year; if this decision will be finalised in the time left of this current administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42624/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra840. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he or his Department is continuing to engage with representatives from the Teachers Union of Ireland at the Workplace Relations Commission on alignment of the Youthreach calendar year with the second level calendar year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42693/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra843. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware that Department officials engaged with the Teachers Union of Ireland at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on aligning the Youthreach programme with the second level school calendar year at their last discussion at the WRC in early June 2024; if there will be an outcome to the discussions within the lifetime of the current Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42748/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 839, 840 and 843 together.
My officials are continuing to engage with TUI on this issue. I understand that the most recent engagement took place on 17th October. My Department is now in the process of agreeing a methodology that will further investigate the merits of changing the Youthreach calendar year.
841. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a breakdown of the number and cost of the additional places across veterinary, medicine and other healthcare disciplines announced as part of a €16.4 million increase in budget 2025. [42702/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2025 marks a significant milestone for the entire Further Education, Higher Education and Research sector with an investment of almost €1.5 billion over the next six years. This year's Budget included an allocation of €16.4 million to increase the number of places across veterinary, medicine and other healthcare disciplines. This will include:
• €8.6m to support the next tranche of medicine places as per the agreement made in 2022 with the medical schools for an additional 200 places over the period 2022-2026. The Government committed at that time to prioritising funding and expansion of medical places, together with moving the funding of existing medicine places to a more sustainable basis. The funding provides the enhanced level of funding needed for existing places, along with funding to support new places.
• €2.8m to support the provision of places in Northern Ireland for students from ROI in the Allied Health Professions in Ulster University, and the provision of 25 places in medicine in Queens University Belfast for Irish students who will return to work in the HSE for their intern year.
• €5m to support the creation of additional training places in areas of key skills needs as identified in the HEA’s Expression of Interest process. These will include places in Veterinary Medicine, as announced on 16th September, and places in Pharmacy and Dentistry as announced on 18th October.
842. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide the details of costings provided to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in the context of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 review conducted earlier this year; and to provide a breakdown of each project and its projected cost in each of the years 2025 to 2030. [42718/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing bilateral meetings between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform in Q1 2024, capital allocations for my Department were agreed out to 2026. Beyond 2026, there is no agreed capital allocation at this time and a process to address the 2027-2030 period will take place in due course.
As part of the revision of capital allocations out to 2026, a range of capital investment opportunities were presented to DPENDR in order to avail of a proportion of additional windfall funding of €2.25bn. My Department secured €100m in windfall funding to activate a range of Student Accommodation projects over the next three years. The NDP windfall funding will allow 493 new beds to be developed in UCD, and the progression of 405 new beds in DCU through tender stage and 116 new beds in Maynooth University to construction.
More generally, NDP capital allocation out to 2026 will enable significant investment in Research and Innovation, and will help to progress the existing pipeline of Higher and Further Education programmes, including; Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund, Infrastructure Upgrade and Refurbishment Fund, Apprenticeships, Public Private Partnership Programmes, Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund, Energy Efficiency Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programmes, Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund, Devolved Grants, Student Accommodation, Emergency Health & Safety Works and the FET Colleges of the Future Programme.
844. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to clarify if an applicant’s income from part-time work can be disregarded as part of reckonable income assessed for SUSI grants. [42778/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the awarding authority, SUSI to determine.
Under the Student Grant Scheme for full-time courses, income from employment which represents holiday earnings outside of term time (Easter, summer and Christmas holidays) can be deducted when determining the reckonable income of an applicant. The maximum amount of this deduction in the 2024/2025 academic year is €7,925 and this can be deducted from both full-time and part-time employment income. The reason for the limit is to mitigate against students working so much during their tertiary education that it negatively impacts on their ability to fully participate in their course.
Where a student is pursuing an approved full-time course in the 2024/25 academic year and worked while they were in education in 2023, holiday earnings can be deducted from the total household reckonable income.
Under the recently launched Student Part-time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses, if an applicant is pursuing an approved part-time undergraduate course in the academic year 2024/25, a portion of their income up to the same maximum of €7,925 can be deducted from the total household reckonable income. This applies whether the applicant was in education or employment in 2023 and is not limited to holidays outside of term time. This is to allow for the fact that students studying part-time are likely to be in full time employment and to ensure that such students are able to participate in Higher Education.
845. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the public private partnership bundle 2 will be completed before the completion of the current National Development Plan 2018-2027. [42793/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science remains fully committed to the delivery of the PPP Bundle 2. This commitment to the PPP programme has been carried through into the current National Development Plan 2018-2027.
There are five projects in Bundle 2, two at SETU campuses of Waterford and Carlow, TUS Limerick, ATU Galway and Letterkenny.
A final tender for Bundle 2 was received in March of this year, and the procurement is now moving to Financial Close. Upon a satisfactory conclusion of this vital last element of the procurement process, construction is expected to commence in Q1 2025. Construction durations for the five Bundle 2 projects vary across the facilities from 26 months to 36 months.
The new engineering, computing and general teaching building at the SETU Waterford Campus is the largest project in the Higher Education PPP Programme and has an expected construction period of 36 months.
It is therefore envisaged that all projects in Bundle 2 will be complete in Q1 2028.
846. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the provisional supply and demand analysis for purpose-built student accommodation and private rented accommodation with respect to the catchment of each technological university and College, in tabular form. [42794/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Q4 2024, as part of my Department's national strategy for student accommodation the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is conducting a supply and demand analysis. This work is underway with results and analysis expected in Q1 2025.
This work includes a student survey, which will be undertaken annually by the HEA and will be the largest and most up to date source of data on student accommodation and transport needs. It will be an essential source of information, informing the developing policy and targets. When combined with the other data sources being examined and led by the HEA it will become the central source of student accommodation data, building on trends annually.
According to the HEA student survey 2023, of those students not living at home, 45% reside in on or off campus purpose-built student accommodation, 36% in private rental (shared house or apartment) and 19% in digs.
The second annual student survey issued from the HEA, through the higher education institutes, to students last week.
There are approximately 48,000 purpose-built student accommodation beds in total, of which two-thirds are provided by the private market, and one third by our higher education institutions. The table below illustrates the number of public beds available.
|
UG |
1,891 |
|
DCU |
1,443 |
|
UCC |
1,536 |
|
TCD |
1,843 |
|
UL |
2,934 |
|
MU |
1,146 |
|
UCD |
4,154 |
|
SETU Waterford |
426 |
|
MIC |
146 |
|
Total |
15,519 |
847. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an overall assessment of the likelihood of a borrowing framework for the technological sector to be in place before March 2025. [42795/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware, funding was approved to assist the Technological University (TU) sector in developing a student accommodation programme based on a regional needs and feasibility assessment.
The objective of the TU feasibility study is to establish an accurate “as is” account of available student accommodation supply; project future supply and demand for accommodation; and to ascertain what opportunities are available to meet the future demand for student accommodation.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is currently overseeing the development of preliminary business cases with the sector. Initial submissions from the higher education institutions were assessed by the HEA earlier this year. Options include purpose built student accommodation both on and off campus, joint ventures, and repurposing of vacant or derelict properties. The HEA continues to work with the sector and final preliminary business cases are due to the Department in Q2, 2025.
Timelines are contingent on all parties involved being in a position to resource and deliver work packages in an efficient and expedient manner.
The TU feasibility study is progressing in tandem with the standardised design study for student accommodation to ensure a value for money response. The outcomes of these studies will provide a framework of delivery models and funding options, including consideration of a TU borrowing framework, which will require approval by Government.
The impacts, risks and responsibilities arising from such funding and delivery mechanisms are key considerations in this context. Safeguards will be required to ensure that projects would not adversely impact the resources or financial position of TUs, or the wider public finances. Stated requisite oversight, risk evaluation, project management and attendant governance and regulatory processes are essential.
My Department will continue to work within the parameters of the public spending code to deliver on state supported student accommodation provision.
848. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline his Department's planned allocations to capital developments at South East Technological University over the next 12 months and beyond. [42796/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe higher education capital budget is managed at an overall level, in conjunction with the HEA, with the allocation to a higher education institution (including SETU) in any one year determined by, among other factors, the pace of progress of its projects through design, planning, procurement and delivery and subject to NDP provision.
My Department has disbursed over €21.5m in capital funding to South-East Technological University (SETU) under a number of capital programmes since May 2022. A significant capital investment is planned for SETU over the coming years through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Bundle 2 Programme, with SETU accounting for two of the five planned projects. One of these projects will be located in the SETU Waterford Campus, and the other at SETU Carlow.
A proposed new engineering, computing and general teaching building at the SETU Waterford Campus is the largest project in the Higher Education PPP Programme. This project has an expected construction period of 36 months.
A PPP project comprising a new 6,083m2 Science and Health Building planned for the SETU Carlow Campus will consist of science laboratories, general teaching space, learning resource space, administration space and ancillary space and has an expected construction period of 27 months.
Significant future investment has also been planned for SETU in healthcare and veterinary provision. Through an Expression of Interest process conducted by the HEA, programmes have been initiated which will enhance capacity and advance healthcare and veterinary education across the country. I recently announced the inclusion of a Veterinary School and a Masters in Pharmacy programme for SETU in conjunction with the wider approval of these programmes, which is a hugely positive development for healthcare and veterinary provision in the southeast region.
849. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide details on the process that decides approval for the provision of new or additional pharmacy faculties and course development; and if new courses will be approved in the technological sector before March 2025. [42797/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Higher Education Authority ran a process to identify options to expand higher education provision in a number of priority skills areas, including pharmacy. Proposals were put forward by a range of higher education institutions under this process.
On 18th October 2024, following recommendations received from the HEA, I announced a series of programmes for advancement in Pharmacy, as well as Medicine and Dentistry. I was very pleased to announce the introduction of new Pharmacy programmes in the Atlantic Technological University, South East Technological University, and University of Galway, which will double the number of pharmacy training programmes in Ireland. At full roll-out this will provide more than 150 additional pharmacy graduates per year.
This announcement I believe demonstrates the shared ambition and commitment of the government and the higher education sector to improving healthcare for those in our communities, and providing students with more opportunities to study in Ireland for those who are passionate to work in healthcare professions.
The first intake on these new programmes is planned for September 2025. The HEA has informed my Department that the relevant Higher Education Institutes have commenced the process of developing the curriculum for these programmes and a period of necessary engagement with relevant professional and regulatory bodies is now underway.
850. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether new lecturing and research contracts for faculty working in the technological university sector will be in place before March 2025. [42798/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware of the report published in 2022 by the OECD following review of technological university academic career paths, contracts and organisation in Ireland. The review concluded that the development of a career model framework and attendant employment contract is an urgent reform necessary for the successful transformation of the TU sector. The report includes reference to staff on existing research contracts.
Since the publication of that report my department has been working to support the implementation of it's recommendations including extensive engagement with the sector in establishing senior management teams within each Universities to replace interim management teams put in place for the establishment phase, that work is ongoing.
My Department is working with the TUs on the development of draft inputs towards a national framework which specifies the responsibilities and performance for professorship roles in TUs. This work is drawing on the recommendations and principles of the 2022 OECD report. A consultation phase involving wider stakeholders is currently in planning by my Department.
I remain committed to introducing the recommendations of the OECD report, including professorship grades and a revised academic contract in Technological Universities, however it is important that this is done in a considered way, working through the complex range of interconnected issues.
851. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the annual payments in respect of the loans provided to IT Tralee and Waterford IT since the loan was provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42799/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA repayment agreement for the €5 million emergency funding provided to the Institute of Technology Tralee, now Munster Technological University, in 2019 was signed between the Higher Education Authority, Munster Technological University and my Department in early 2023. A repayment schedule was put in place to enable repayments on the €5 million emergency funding which commenced in May 2024. The repayment schedule will run from 2024 out to 2043.
Waterford Institute of Technology, now South East Technological University, obtained an interest free State loan of €12.1m in 2014 to assist with the purchase of student accommodation and completion of a sports arena. The current agreement with the institution is to repay the Department in three instalments per annum in the amount of €301,018 bringing the total repayments per annum to €903,054. Repayments began in 2015 and the current balance outstanding is €4,214,244. The next repayment is due in March 2025.
852. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the capital expenditure within each of the technological universities since their creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42802/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has disbursed almost €195m in capital funding to the Technological University Sector under a number of capital programmes including the Higher Education Strategic and Infrastructural Fund (HESIF), the Infrastructure and Refurbishment Fund (IURF), the Energy Efficiency Decarbonisation Pathway Programme (EEDPP), the Devolved Capital Grant, the Apprenticeship Programme Grant, the Higher Education Research and Equipment Grant (HEREG) etc.
Details of amounts disbursed to each Technological University since their creation is provided in the following table.
In addition, significant capital investment is ongoing in relation to operational Public Private Partnership projects delivered for Technological University Dublin at Grangeorman and the National Maritime College of Ireland and Cork School of Music at Munster Technological University.
Details of the capital expenditure within each of the technological universities since their creation
|
HEI and Merge Date |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 ( 01/01/2024 - 16/10/2024) |
Total |
|
Technological University of Dublin (TUD) from 01/01/2020 |
€6,494,269.69 |
€8,394,671.11 |
€10,578,638.01 |
€15,931,183.00 |
€14,724,340.06 |
€207,434.58 |
€56,330,536.45 |
|
Munster Technological University (MTU) from 01/01/2021 |
€6,225,213.65 |
€7,161,658.22 |
€16,082,846.52 |
€6,548,628.54 |
€36,018,346.93 |
||
|
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) from 01/10/2021 |
€1,307,953.08 |
€6,786,531.32 |
€22,871,330.33 |
€5,855,982.18 |
€36,821,796.91 |
||
|
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) from 01/04/2022 with St Angela College joined from 01/11/2023 |
€16,130,504.86 |
€15,382,755.36 |
€12,566,809.48 |
€44,080,069.70 |
|||
|
South East Technological University (SETU) from 01/05/2022 |
€3,994,368.94 |
€14,693,313.54 |
€2,964,498.02 |
€21,652,180.50 |
|||
|
TOTAL |
€6,494,269.69 |
€8,394,671.11 |
€18,111,804.74 |
€50,004,246.34 |
€83,754,585.81 |
€28,143,352.80 |
€194,902,930.49 |
853. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the public funding with respect to each of the universities, technological universities and colleges for the provision of new-build student accommodation; the number of units; the public contribution and the timeline for their completion, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42803/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is progressing both short and longer term student accommodation policy responses under the Housing for All plan.
Through Budget 2025 I secured €6million annual recurrent funding to support the activation of up to 1,200 student accommodation beds in regional campus locations. A leasing programme is being developed as a key deliverable arising from the TU student accommodation study. At least thirty percent of beds delivered through this programme will be provided at below market rate to target cohort students.
In addition, €1million in annual funding has been secured to provide staffing resources in the sector to build a dedicated capacity examining and addressing campus needs regarding student accommodation and supports for students in accessing accommodation.
A further €500,000 will be invested in developing campus action plans to identify and address accommodation and sustainable transport needs for the colleges and students in accessing their education.
This builds on the investment of €100 million of state support for the first time to deliver student accommodation through the National Development Plan under my Department’s short term activation programme.
This funding enabled activation of UCD’s student accommodation project for delivery of 493 beds. Construction is planned to commence on this project in 2025 subject to successful completion of due diligence assessments and the tender process.
The funding also enabled progression of projects at Maynooth University, and Dublin City University. The Maynooth project is currently at construction stage with expected delivery of 116 beds in September 2025. DCU’s project is progressing through the tender process, and subject to successful completion of this process is expected onsite in quarter 1, 2025.
|
HEI |
Beds |
Status |
|
Maynooth University |
116 |
Onsite, expected delivery for Sept 2025 |
|
Dublin City University |
405 |
Tendering stage, expected onsite in Q1 2025 |
|
University College Dublin |
493 |
Preparatory work and assessment prior to Tender Process |
854. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for his and his Department’s assessment of the feasibility of the South East Technological University, Strategic Plan, Connecting for Impact 2023-2028, given that €350 million of capital funding is required between 2023 and 2028 to realise the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42804/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTechnological Universities are required under their legislation to consult with the Minister in the preparation of their Strategic Development Plans. This is a new provision inserted by the HEA Act from 10th November 2022.
Following this consultation process, HEIs are then free as independent institutions to conclude their Strategic Development Plans in the appropriate manner.
In terms of capital funding from 2023-2028, the higher education capital budget is managed at an overall level, in conjunction with the HEA, with the allocation to a higher education institution (including SETU) in any one year determined by, among other factors, the pace of progress of its projects through design, planning, procurement and delivery and subject to NDP provision.
My Department has disbursed over €21.5m in capital funding to South-East Technological University (SETU) under a number of capital programmes since May 2022. Significant capital investment is planned for SETU over the coming years through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Bundle 2 Programme and through the recently announced Veterinary School and Masters in Pharmacy programme, which represent a hugely positive development for healthcare and veterinary provision in the southeast region.
855. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to detail the oversight, if any, his Department has relating to the content of the graduate diploma in social, personal and health education and relationships and sexuality education course at DCU to date; if the course material or objectives are approved by his Department prior to delivery; if any officials in his Department have any input into the course content or course objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42990/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you Deputy for your question.
As Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science I have had no input into the content of the graduate diploma in social, personal and health education and relationships and sexuality education course at DCU, nor have any officials from my Department. Decisions around programmes and content are the remit of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as autonomous institutions as provided for by the Universities Act 1997, Technological Universities Act 2018, and Institutes of Technology Acts 1992 -2006. Under this legislation HEIs are academically independent and entitled to regulate their own academic affairs and administrative processes including the content of the programmes offered.
856. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of instructors employed by the City of Dublin Education and Training Board to conduct cybersecurity associate level 6 apprenticeship training, in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [43131/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe City of Dublin Education and Training Board has informed my Department of the following numbers.
Number of instructors employed for Cybersecurity Associate Level 6 Apprenticeship
|
Employer |
Category |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
City of Dublin ETB |
Teacher |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
City of Dublin ETB |
Instructor |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Contracted Training |
Contractor |
0 |
1 |
1 |
They have also clarified that while, as can be seen from the above, they have not employed any instructors during the last 3 years in this area, they have included in the table the teacher and contractor they have providing instruction on this programme as part of their Civil Service Apprenticeship Programme in their Cathal Brugha St. Further Education and Training College.
857. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of vacant properties owned by his Department; and the number of which are houses or residential properties. [43145/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no properties either owned or leased that are currently vacant. Staff of my Department are accommodated in premises in St. Stephen's Green, Dublin. Staff are also accommodated in Marlborough St, Dublin and Tullamore on a shared basis with other Departments and Offices. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the sourcing of office accommodation for my Department.
858. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress being made at present regarding the development of a training college at the Killarney proposed campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43169/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that Kerry ETB are being supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Killarney 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 proposal put forward by KETB is one of twelve projects that are currently being progressed under this fund.
KETB’s proposal is expected to encompass the transformation of FET provision in the area by developing a state-of-the-art campus focussing on skills development in Hospitality Training, while supporting Renewable Energy and Sustainable Green Technologies.
SOLAS and officials from my department met with all twelve ETBs including KETB, in April and May of this year, to discuss their proposals in the context of affordability, value for money and relevant regional and national FET policy objectives. ETBs were asked to refine their business case proposals to ensure delivery on their priority infrastructure requirements that will meet the needs of their current and future learners and staff.
KETB are currently working on refining their business case proposal and will have the opportunity to submit this proposal to the next evaluation meeting which is targeted for early 2025. Following evaluation, business cases that meet the evaluation criteria will advance to the next stage of development: Pre-Tender – Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy. I understand SOLAS is also engaging with KETB around the site and this work is ongoing.
SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support KETB in the development of their proposal and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet the needs of FET learners and teaching staff.
859. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration would be given to altering the requirements Irish citizens need to fulfil in order to qualify for Irish or EU fee rates in universities, as many Irish parents who work outside of Europe are required to have their children attend school or reside in Ireland for three of the five years before attending college in order qualify for Irish or EU fee rates, which is not feasible in some circumstances; whether an allowance could be made in exceptional individual cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43203/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe higher education tuition fee payable by a student can vary depending on a variety of factors including the type of course and the student's access route. The assessment of a student’s application and the determination of the appropriate fee rate is a function of the institution attended.
As the Deputy may be aware there are typically two rates of fee, an EU Rate of Fee or a non-EU rate of tuition fee. Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs. This includes setting the criteria a person must meet to be regarded as an EU or a Non-EU tuition fee student.
The criteria may vary by institution, and I understand that an institution’s criteria will generally include specified nationality and/or residency requirements that students would be expected to meet to qualify for the EU rate of fee. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible for my Department to intervene in the fee policy of the institutions or to advise on the specific criteria of individual institutions.
Where a student has a query in relation to an institution's EU or non-EU fee policy, they can contact the institution they wish to attend for advice appropriate to their own individual circumstances.
