Tuesday, 16 May 2023

Written Answers Nos. 729-745

Gender Recognition

Questions (730)

Mick Barry

Question:

730. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of any advice from the National Gender Service to GPs not to provide blood testing facilities or to administer HRT therapies to people accessing gender affirming care; if he will confirm that the administration of HRT therapies to patients is a matter for them and their doctor; if he will meet with grassroots groups that campaign for the rights of trans and intersex people in relation to access to gender affirming care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23148/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (731)

Michael Lowry

Question:

731. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health concerning the homecare sector which has been engaged in discussions with his Department and the HSE since December 2022 about homecare Tender 2023; the reason in December 2022, the HSE informed the sector they were not ready to go to market with the tender 2023, forcing homecare sector providers to agree to a second extension of the original tender 2018 through to 30 April 2023; the reason on 25 April, the HSE again informed homecare sector providers that they had not yet concluded the Tender 2023 and again informed providers they were unilaterally extending the arrangements yet again to 30 June 2023; if he will ensure a resolve to the situation is found as soon as possible, ensuring that Tender 2023 is not delayed again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23168/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Mary Butler)

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland

Questions (732)

Michael Ring

Question:

732. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their application with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, NMBI, in view of the fact that an employment opportunity is hinging on this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23181/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the maintenance of the register of Nurses and Midwives is an operational matter for the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), I have referred the question to the NMBI for its attention and direct response to the Deputy. 

Hospital Staff

Questions (733)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

733. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if staff will be recruited for a department in University Hospital Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23189/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 734 answered with Question No. 627.

Health Services

Questions (735)

Alan Kelly

Question:

735. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will pay for all private assessments of children with autism from validated practitioners given that it has made a precedent by already doing so in CHO Area 5. [23194/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services Staff

Questions (736)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

736. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 288 of 30 March 2023, if discussions between his Department and the HSE regarding funding for trainee counselling psychologists have concluded; the timeline he is working towards for announcing the details for the 2023/2024 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23257/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Mary Butler)

As the Deputy is aware, €750,000 has been provided in Budget 2023 to support counselling psychology training places. This funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthen access to psychology training. 

I am focussed on supporting counselling psychology students in an equitable way and that delivers value for money. The structure of this funding is still being finalised by officials in the Department. The approach will be based on best practice and knowledge gained from other health and social care funded training models. 

Further detailed discussions are required between the Department and HSE to progress this. I hope to be in a position to announce the details shortly for academic year 2023-2024.

Education and Training Boards

Questions (737)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

737. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will engage with the relevant ETB, Solas and other agencies regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23136/23]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the case of a person (details supplied by email) is presently being reviewed by Solas.

An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible

Medical Research and Training

Questions (738)

Emer Higgins

Question:

738. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to medical students in Sudan who have been displaced by the current Sudanese conflict and who are now living in Ireland; if he is considering accommodating these students to continue their studies in Irish universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22416/23]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I have had contact from one student wishing to transfer to a medical degree here. This is a matter for individual institutions to determine. However, my Department will continue to support institutions responding to these difficult circumstances.

Technological Universities

Questions (739)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

739. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the technological universities will be able to borrow money on the financial markets in the same way as the traditional universities, given that their current inability is both unfair and unsustainable and puts them at a clear disadvantage; if he intends that this borrowing capacity will be used for a wide range of purposes including student housing, infrastructure and research and development expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22492/23]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

In November 2022 the Government confirmed approval for a new policy led by my Department, to provide state assistance to stimulate the development of new and additional student accommodation for public higher education institutions. This landmark policy response will, for the first time, see the state providing financial support in the construction of student accommodation, and underpins the policy commitments set out in Housing for All.

My Department is working with relevant Government Departments and Agencies to explore the development of a specific borrowing framework for the Technological University (TU) sector. The Housing Finance Agency Act 1981, as amended, facilitates lending by the HFA to institutions of higher education, including TUs. It is anticipated that any borrowing framework would in the first instance prioritise the provision of student accommodation in line with commitments in the Government's Housing for All plan.

Investment of €1m in 2023/2024 has also been announced to support the TU’s in conducting activation feasibility assessment to ascertain student accommodation needs in campus locations. This will include data led projections of demand and engagement with local authorities to examine potential vacant stock. Officials met with the TU sector in February to progress the objectives of the feasibility study and establish the data and engagement needs from the TU's in this process. The terms of reference for TU feasibility study are being finalised between DFHERIS and the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

Departmental Reviews

Questions (740)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

740. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the OECD Report entitled: ‘A Review of Technological University Academic Career Paths, Contracts and Organisation in Ireland’ will be published; if he intends to implement the recommendations in it as a matter of urgency; if he has plans to initiate a review of the current academic contract in technological universities, with a view to the early publication and implementation of recommendations contained in the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22493/23]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The OECD review of academic career structures, academic contracts and senior management and leadership structures in Irish technological universities (TUs) was published on 16 December 2022 following the Cabinet's noting of the insights provided by the OECD in setting out the strengths and differences evident between Irish TUs and comparator institutions internationally by Cabinet. A copy of the report can be accessed at :  

www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/a-review-of-technological-university-academic-career-paths-contracts-and-organisation-in-ireland_2b7ee217-en

Both TUs and staff representatives in the Teachers’ Union of Ireland, have fed into the OECD work and were briefed by the OECD on same during the preparation of the report. 

Detailed engagement is taking place between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and Reform on the findings of the report as well as ongoing engagement by officials in my Department with the relevant sectoral stakeholders as deemed appropriate at this juncture. 

Upon conclusion of the relevant engagements, the next key step is that I will bring a Memorandum to Government with recommendations to effect the necessary transformative changes in our TUs based on my consideration of the OECD report and related matters.

This is not an easy or uncomplicated process but given its critical importance to delivering fully on the TU agenda it requires us all to take the time and care to follow the correct approach in a measured and considered fashion. 

I wish to thank all the partners and stakeholders involved in this process to date including Government colleagues, relevant Departments' officials, TU managements and staff representatives and I look forward to progressing the continued engagements I have outlined such as will result in the optimum outcome for the technological sector as a whole and its constituent institutions, staff, students and wider stakeholders.

 

 

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (741)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

741. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide clarity on how the consortium-led apprenticeships will be rolled out in the technological universities; if he will provide details of proposed core/ringfenced funding to TUs for apprenticeship training and education; if he will clarify whether funding is provided on a multi-annual basis; if so, if he will provide exact details of the timelines involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22494/23]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The ‘Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025’ sets out new ways of structuring, funding, and promoting apprenticeships to make apprenticeship accessible to employers and learners.  The Plan seeks to deliver on a target of 10,000 apprenticeship registrations per annum, across a wide range of programmes, by 2025.

This ambitious plan includes a commitment to consolidate the current two streams of apprenticeship (craft and consortia-led) into a single system.

The process for migration from the dual- to a single-system is being undertaken in a considered and consultative manner, with partners involving representatives of apprentices, employers, unions, education institutions, educators and staff.

The rationale for this reform is to -

• simplify the governance structures and streamline relationships and roles

• delegate delivery system to improve agility, flexibility, and speed to market in all conditions

• create more transparency in terms of oversight an delivery and funding for stakeholders

• build the integrated system on the strengths of both delivery models

• increase the pace of innovation to adapt to rapid technology and economic changes

• foster the integration of apprenticeship within quality assurance arrangements

• standardise funding under a single apprenticeship system

Already, the working group leading this objective have developed a workplan that will lead to the development of a migration pathway. This has been presented to partners through the National Apprenticeship Alliance.

The workplan outlines three key workstreams -

develop a structure, including funding and governance arrangements, for both craft and consortia-led

follow a structured programme of engagement with partners

develop a migration plan that will ensure the smooth transition of programmes in an orderly fashion to the new single system

The consultation, planning and design elements for the migration will take place over the course of 2023.

Technological Universities

Questions (742)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

742. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will liaise with the Minister for Health to ensure that the pilot Together All Programme, funded jointly by the Higher Education Authority and the Health Service Executive, can continue and be rolled out to all technological universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22495/23]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Togetherall programme is jointly funded by the HEA and the HSE Mental Health Operations. This programme forms part of a broader HEA funded national project through PCHEI known as ‘Identify and Respond’ which includes the development of university staff training to identify and respond to at risk students.

The pilot Togetherall Programme provides a clinically moderated, 24/7 online peer-to-peer mental health community that empowers students to anonymously seek and provide support across Irish higher education institutions.

I launched the programme nationally on World Mental Health Day, 10th October 2022, 14 HEIs have implemented Togetherall in their university/college. As independent institutions, HEIs may choose to implement initiatives in accordance with their needs and some may already have other platforms in place.

To date the sector has not approached the HEA or DFHERIS with a formailsed request to roll the programme out beyond the period of the pilot. Should such a formalised request be received, a review of the pilot programme would be required. Procurement of any such programme on a long-term basis would need to be completed by the institutions involved in line with procurement rules.

The HEA delivers €2m per annum funding to HEIs to enable the delivery and enhancement of student mental health supports including service delivery through the recurrent funding model (RFAM).

In 2020, 2021 and 2022, an additional €3m per annum was provided to the HEIs to facilitate the enhancement of supports while institutions dealt with the challenges presented by the pandemic. Through this a number of national projects have been funded including supporting sector wide implementation of the National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework and building capacity across the higher education system.  I have also secured an additional €3m in funding for the 2023/2024 academic year.

Technological Universities

Questions (743)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

743. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science where the legal ownership status of the designated SETU land purchase of 20.3 acres of the old Waterford crystal site stand; the present legal status regarding the ownership of this site; if due diligence is still ongoing; the possible delays that could be preventing the transfer of the site, given it was originally highlighted for sale in 2017 and was mentioned on the record of Dáil Éireann as an acquisition target by the Taoiseach in 2020 (details supplied); the further impediments that remain to legally transfer the site; the timeline to resolve same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22520/23]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

On the 27th March, I gave approval for the South East Technological University (SETU) to expand its presence in Waterford by agreeing to accept the vendor’s final reduced asking price for the 20.3 acre portion of the 37 acre Waterford Crystal site.

Having informed the Vendor of its acceptance of his final reduced asking price, SETU are now engaged in the site due diligence process.

Once the due diligence process is complete, the next stage of the process will be for SETU, through the Higher Education Authority, to seek my sanction to progress to the signing of contracts to purchase the Waterford Crystal site.

The co-location of the Waterford Crystal site with the existing Cork Road campus will enable SETU to consolidate much of their Waterford activities in one single city centre location. Furthermore, the purchase of this site satisfies a number of wider local and regional objectives through the reusing/ repurposing of a prominent brownfield site in the city.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (744)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

744. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science regarding the announcement of a construction tender award for the long-awaited PPP funded engineering building block to the old Waterford IT campus and given the statement by the Taoiseach (details supplied), his views on a calendar date for this tender award to be achieved; if he will give a guaranteed date for the award of this construction contract, given that this project is now over five years overdue based on the last commitment from the previous Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22521/23]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Deputy Simon Harris)

The proposed engineering, computing and general teaching building for the South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford, forms part of the Higher Education PPP Programme Bundle 2 project. The Bundle 2 procurement process is currently at tender stage. The competitive dialogue remains ongoing. Subject to the successful conclusion of the tender process, construction is due to commence in Q1 2024. As the procurement process is ongoing, it is not possible at this point to give a date for when the construction contract will be awarded. 

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (745)

Michael Ring

Question:

745. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 997 of 21 March 2023, the reason that a full response has not issued to date (details supplied); and if he will issue a response immediately. [22554/23]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that SOLAS have confirmed that a reply was issued on 21 March 2023. In line with GDPR provisions, the response was issued directly to Mr Jordan.