Written Answers Nos 96-115
96. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he believes that the higher and further education sectors should develop a strategy outlining how they might contribute to the ambition to make Ireland the best country in which to grow old, by supporting better understanding, extending new opportunities, and harnessing the experience of those exiting their workplaces. [2083/24]
View answerI want to thank the Deputy for raising this.
The main responsibility of my Department in this respect, I believe, is in ensuring the participation of older age cohorts in education.
This can be to help their engagement in employment, but can also be to ensure their full participation in society.
People in Ireland are living longer and healthier lives and it is important they can continue to access education at all stages of their lives.
The OECD Skills Strategy Review published in May 2023, highlighted the need for an increased focus on short and flexible skilling options for individuals entering or transitioning in the workforce; and clearer navigability of those options.
The OECD review also identifies older people as being part of a vulnerable cohort in terms of their lifelong learning participation and provides a detailed and comprehensive set of actions that are relevant to responding to upskilling and reskilling needs for vulnerable groups.
There are a number of initiatives we are undertaking across third level education. A number of our universities offer specific modules for older people.
For example, Dublin City university offer an Age-Friendly University Programme that specifically welcomes older people Over 2,000 older people visit DCU to take part in wellness, cultural, social, research and educational opportunities that promote intergenerational engagement, helps to challenge stereotypes and combat ageism.
We understand 300,000 people in the workforce lack the equivalent of a Leaving Cert, and the vast majority are in the over 50 age group.
Solas run specific programmes for this cohort. Skills to Advance offers free upskilling support to these people, in key areas like digital skills, remote working, healthcare and smart driving.
In addition to this, the latest figures available to me show 67,363 people aged over 55 engaged in further education in 2022. I believe this proves the appetite and desire to continue with education is evident but we must do more to target those out-of-reach groups.
As part of the Adult Literacy Collaboration Fund announced last year, there is specific programmes targeted at older people also.
This includes learning literacy skills through cooking. We are also examining a specific campaign targeting older learners with unmet digital literacy needs.
97. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the ongoing membership of Israel in Horizon Europe; and if he has sought suspension of Israel's membership or receipt of funds through Horizon arising from ongoing breaches of international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories including the targeting and destruction of institutes of higher education in Gaza. [1939/24]
View answerI am deeply concerned by the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. This remains a central priority for the Government, including at EU level, where Ireland is consistently calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
The Framework Programme for Research & Innovation - Horizon Europe - is the European Union’s largest research and innovation programme, with a budget of 95.5 billion euros over its seven year lifetime from 2021 to 2027. The Horizon Europe programme encompasses all European Member States as well as 18 Associated Countries from around the world.
Israel signed a Horizon Europe Association Agreement with the European Commission on the 6th of December 2021, allowing full participation in the framework programme. This Association Agreement includes Article 9.8 which states that the agreement is limited to the areas within Israel’s pre-1967 borders. This clause is in line with general EU policy that does not permit any grants to be awarded to those areas occupied after 1967.
Israel has been associated to every one of the EU's research and innovation framework programmes since 1996.
The negotiation process for incorporating new Associated Countries is the sole competence of the European Commission. EU Member States and the European Parliament have no formal role in these negotiations and are not required to approve the agreements. Member States also have no legal capacity to suspend or alter these Association Agreements. The European Commission have made no indication they intend to change the status quo with regards to Israel’s participation in these programmes.
98. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the actions he has taken to develop more part-time curriculums across higher and further education; if he has increased funding for these courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2090/24]
View answerThe National Access Plan has called for more flexible forms of learning for target groups and those who are socio-economically disadvantaged. One of the priorities for Budget 2024 is reducing child poverty. We know that Education has the power to transform lives, lift people out of poverty and break down cycles of intergenerational poverty.
I have been consistent in my position that we need to develop our student support system over time to ensure that it supports more flexible forms of learning.
Through sectoral engagements, there is an increased recognition that supporting part-time and blended learning has the potential to increase access to learning in the medium term, once existing reform commitments are embedded within the sector.
The fees associated with part-time programmes are a key barrier to higher education access and the expansion of fee support to part-time students has the potential to transform how education is accessed by those most in need.
As part of the tertiary package for Budget 2024, I secured €2 million of support for the part-time provision.
From September 2024, a pilot part-time fee grant will be available to provide support for students who are undertaking eligible undergraduate part-time programmes leading to a major award, both in-person, blended and online. These students would previously have been ineligible for a student grant.
The Scheme will be means tested and available to those with reckonable income under €55,924 and will be subject to satisfying certain criteria. This will benefit vulnerable cohorts and low-income families.
The Scheme is currently under development. My Department is currently engaging in further discussions with key stakeholders and Higher Education Institutions and communication will be provided in the next few months on the new Scheme and how to apply when the parameters have been agreed.
99. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for his position on the joint European degree scheme proposed by the European Union. [1916/24]
View answerThe proposed European Joint Degree programme is part of the European Universities initiative, which I support. The European Commission is currently engaged in a research project to establish possible approaches to a joint European Degree, and a communication from the Commission with proposals for the Member States to consider is expected in March or April 2024.
At that point, when the full details of the proposal are known, my officials will examine the implications of the proposals and establish a definitive position.
100. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on plans to construct the Mayo College of Further Education at the Military Barracks in Castlebar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2011/24]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB (MSLETB) have been working with and supported by SOLAS in developing their preliminary business case proposal for Castlebar under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund for the last number of months. The development of a robust Preliminary Business Case (PBC) is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (Formerly known as the Public Spending Code guidelines).
Completed preliminary business cases including that of Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB were to be submitted to SOLAS by the deadline of last Friday, the 12th of January.
In parallel to the development of their preliminary business case, Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB are also working to identify a preferred site for their proposal. Officials from my department and SOLAS have met with MSLETB and the Local Authority representatives to progress this and SOLAS and the department await the outcome of this site identification process. My department and I are aware that the military barracks in Castlebar is one of the sites to be evaluated as part of this process.
The business case and site selection report will be evaluated under criteria such as value for money, affordability, priority alignment and strategic policy, in line with the requirements of the infrastructure guidelines,
Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB will be informed of the outcome of this evaluation process once it is completed.
101. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has undergone any research that explores the impact of accommodation (lack of) on student retention rate. [1923/24]
View answerWhere students withdraw from third level education they do so for a variety of reasons, and changes in the progression rate are rarely influenced by a single factor alone.
As part of the Long Term Student Accommodation Policy formulation, a Student Survey was conducted, which had 22,801 responses from current students. This student survey data obtained which will be regularly updated will inform the development of policy and strategies.
Since November 2022, I have secured Government approval in principle for up to €61 million in funding to unlock the development of up to 1,000 new and additional student accommodation beds across four universities. Projects at both Maynooth University, and Dublin City University are already at tender stage for delivery of 521 beds.
This week, I secured Government approval to progress a Long-Term Student Accommodation policy under Housing for All. This policy aims to increase the supply of student accommodation and reduce students’ reliance on private rental accommodation, and ultimately to reduce the barrier that accommodation is presenting in accessing higher education.
The policy targets the development of Purpose Built Student Accommodation, digs accommodation and refurbishment of vacant units. It will also address the cost of construction through development of standardised design templates for student accommodation. Examination of transport links and viable commuting options is also an integral element of the response.
The policy will inform the development of the new Student Accommodation Strategy and associated schemes, which will be further developed throughout 2024 in consultation with Government colleagues and stakeholders.
102. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how many new degree programmes will be available outside the Central Applications Office points system for the upcoming academic year; and how many places will be available in each. [1917/24]
View answerEnsuring that learners have options beyond the CAO has been a longstanding priority for me and my department.
As the Deputy will be aware, September 2023 marked the commencement of the new Joint Tertiary Degrees. These programmes see students begin their third level experience in further education, and then progress seamlessly to a higher education institution to complete their fully accredited Level 7 or 8 degree. The programmes have been met with great interest, with students all over the country now enrolled on tertiary programmes in areas like Nursing, Software Development and Business.
The National Tertiary Office issued a call last September for proposals for further tertiary degrees for delivery in September 2024. In addition the continuation of the existing programmes, there will also be a significant expansion of the tertiary degrees on offer. All Education and Training Boards, Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology will be involved in providing tertiary programmes in 2024 and the number of programmes on offer is expected to more than double. The details of the 2024 offering will be announced early this year.
These joint programmes signal that there is more than one route to third level education, and no one pathway is better than another. I am looking forward to seeing these programmes continue to expand this year, both in terms of the courses that will be offered, and the number of learners enrolled.
103. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 19 October 2023, the status the proposed new further education college in Galway city; if the preliminary business case has been completed and submitted to SOLAS to date; if the design team has been appointed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1954/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for her question.
The Deputy will be aware that Galway Roscommon ETB have been working with and supported by SOLAS in developing their preliminary business case proposal for their Mervue site in Galway city under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund for the last number of months. The development of a robust Preliminary Business Case (PBC) is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (Formerly known as the Public Spending Code guidelines).
Completed preliminary business cases including that of Galway Roscommon ETB were to be submitted to SOLAS by the deadline of last Friday, the 12th of January. These business cases will be evaluated under criteria such as value for money, affordability and strategic policy and priority alignment, in line with the requirements of the infrastructure guidelines, and ETBs will be informed of the outcome of this evaluation process once it is completed.
It is anticipated that the proposal put forward by Galway Roscommon ETB will involve the development of a new state-of-the-art FET campus on a site adjacent to its Mervue Training facility. This proposed new development would facilitate the strengthening of FET provision in Galway City and the wider region due to its close proximity to the training Centre in Mervue, Atlantic Technological University and the University of Galway.
My officials and SOLAS will continue to work closely with Galway Roscommon ETB to ensure that the appropriate infrastructures are in place to meet the needs of their learners and staff.
104. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a programme similar to the hot meals programmes for primary schools could be rolled out or considered for Youthreach facilities nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2029/24]
View answerThe Hot School Meals Programme operated by the Department of Social Protection was introduced in 2019 and is being expanded to some 1,400 primary schools from April 2024. The objective of the scheme and the wider School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. Many Youthreach centres provide breakfast clubs and lunch clubs. A number of Youthreach Centres are now located in new Centres for Education and Training with access to a quality canteen services. Youthreach centres regularly have access to kitchen facilities as part of their programmes. Learners on the Youthreach programme can qualify for a weekly ETB training allowance as well as meal, travel and accommodation allowances. Training allowances for learners over 18 are linked to Social Welfare entitlements while learners under 18 may qualify for a weekly training allowance of €45, along with a meal allowance of €4 and a travel allowance which is related to the distance travelled. Some ETBs provide meals rather than meal allowances to learners. I will undertake to engage with Minister Humphreys on this matter.
105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which his Department continues to assess the needs of the economy in terms of technical skills; the progress made in providing for such needs by way of apprenticeships or third level provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1820/24]
View answerThe tertiary education system plays a central role in ensuring that our graduates from higher education, further education and training and from apprenticeship are equipped with the cognitive skills, the essential transversal skills, and the vocational and professional skills and competencies which will equip them for success in work and society.
Against the backdrop of the accelerating and intensifying digital and green transitions, it is essential that our skills ecosystem has the agility and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities in the skills and workforce development landscape. In this context, one of the key themes of the OECD Review of Ireland's National Skills Strategy published last May was the need to secure a balance in skills through a responsive, diversified supply of skills in Ireland.
The agility and flexibility of the tertiary system is underscored by responsiveness to priority industry and enterprise workforce needs under key policy initiatives such as, for example; the Action Plan for Apprenticeship; Funding the Future; the Green Skills for FET Roadmap; and the National Digital Strategy Harnessing Digital.
Ireland's success in ensuring that those with qualifications from the tertiary system are meeting the economy's skills needs are evidenced by the results of the Higher Education Authority's national Graduate Outcomes Survey which shows that overall, 81.9% of graduates in 2021 were in employment nine months after graduation.
A key strength of the apprenticeship model is that it is a demand-led employer-driven approach to meeting workforce and skill requirements in our economy. As such, the demand for and number of apprentices is primarily dictated by employers in any sector. Apprenticeships are programmes of training in employment undertaken through a contract of employment. There is a clear connection established between skills demands and apprenticeship registrations in the economy.
It will be a priority to ensure a continued high level of responsiveness by the tertiary education system to the rapid pace of technological change, including the expected substantial impact of AI on the workforce.
106. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how long medical graduates will have to commit to working in the Republic of Ireland after studying in Northern Ireland under the proposal that the State will pay for doctors to train there if they take up work here after qualifying. [1918/24]
View answerGiven the projected demand for graduates from medical schools over the medium term, my Department has been exploring all options to increase the number of medical places for Irish students across the island.
In July 2022, I, along with Minister Donnelly received Government approval to progress work to secure places for Irish students in medical schools in Northern Ireland with the eligibility to apply for an internship in the HSE on graduation.
My officials have been working closely with the institutions in the North and the Department of Health and Economy, Northern Ireland over the last 18 months, to develop a proposal which would lead to more medical places for Irish students in the North and increase the pool of Irish medical graduates, educated on the island who would be eligible to apply to work in the HSE.
The final details of the proposal are still being worked through. As such, I am not in a position to expand on arrangements related to the proposal. I do expect however to be making a positive announcement within a few weeks with relevant information being made publicly available at that time.
107. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship programmes experiencing delays in arranging off-the-job training in education centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2068/24]
View answerAll apprentices participating on the 25 craft apprenticeship programmes experience some delays between the completion of phase 1 (on-the-job training) and scheduling for phase 2 (off-the-job training) of their apprenticeship programme. However, where those delays exceed 6-months, it is considered to be in excess of the norm, and what has been referred to as 'the backlog', since the interruptions caused by Covid.
The highest numbers of apprentices experiencing excess delays are in programmes such as electrical (2216), plumbing (465), carpentry & joinery (301), heavy vehicle mechanics (169), and metal fabrication (145).
108. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what work his Department is carrying out to address the skills deficit to meet 2030 targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2018/24]
View answerThe tertiary education system plays a central role in ensuring that our graduates from higher education, further education and training and from apprenticeship are equipped with the cognitive skills, the essential transversal skills, and the vocational and professional skills and competencies which will equip them for success in work and society.
Against the backdrop of the accelerating and intensifying digital and green transitions, it is essential that our skills ecosystem has the agility and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities in the skills and workforce development landscape. In this context, one of the key themes of the OECD Review of Ireland's National Skills Strategy published last May was the need to secure a balance in skills through a responsive, diversified supply of skills in Ireland.
The agility and flexibility of the tertiary system is underscored by responsiveness to priority industry and enterprise workforce needs under key policy initiatives such as, for example; the Action Plan for Apprenticeship; Funding the Future; the Green Skills for FET Roadmap; and the National Digital Strategy Harnessing Digital.
Ireland's success in ensuring that those with qualifications from the tertiary system are meeting the economy's skills needs are evidenced by the results of the Higher Education Authority's national Graduate Outcomes Survey which shows that overall, 81.9% of graduates in 2021 were in employment nine months after graduation. It will be a priority to ensure a continued high level of responsiveness by the tertiary education system to the rapid pace of technological change, including the expected substantial impact of AI on the workforce.
109. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 19 October 2023, for a breakdown of the number of new affordable student accommodation units to be built and the number of units to be leased, in partnership with the University of Galway under the short-term activation measure; if he will provide an update on the construction of affordable student accommodation in Galway; the funding allocated to the University of Galway for the construction of new units under the short-term activation measure; the funding allocated to the University of Galway for the leasing of units under the short-term activation measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1953/24]
View answerSince last November I have secured Government approval in principle of up to €61m in funding to unlock the development of approximately 1,000 new and additional student accommodation beds across four universities. These projects are being progressed as immediate response measures to unlock supply of affordable accommodation in partnership with our University sector.
The University of Galway (UG) received approval to progress a proposed lease of 242 additional beds over 15 years, subject to review. This proposal is currently nearing the end of the due diligence process.
For the current academic year there are an additional 938 beds available in publicly funded Higher Education Institutions with 674 of these in University of Galway. In addition as of 30th December HEIs have indicated that there are approximately 66 rooms available in Galway for digs accommodation.
The most recent Building Information data (November 2023) supplied by the HEA indicate that since 2017 14,520 purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) beds have been built with 1,739 built in Galway. Work is underway on site on an additional 2,016 bed spaces, with 345 of these in Galway. Planning permission has been obtained for a further 11,962 with 1,669 of these beds planned for Galway. A further 2,638 have applied for planning permission, Galway currently have no projects with planning permission applied for. The total level of PBSA stock is over 48,000 as of Q3 2023.
I secured Government support for the Student Accommodation Long Term Policy This week and I will officially launch the details of this policy approach in DCU tomorrow. This policy sets out a number of measures to increase the supply of accommodation, through all forms of tenure recognising the differing needs regionally.
110. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will comment on the measures he is taking to increase capacity and labour force within the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2040/24]
View answerA key government priority is to ensure that we have world-leading skills in the economy to ensure a sustainable and equitable economy in the future.
The construction sector is no exception. We recognise the changes in the sector and the response needed to support innovation in construction, and the need for targeted, collaborative and industry- focused opportunities available across all levels of the tertiary education and training system.
And despite these challenging circumstances, there are growing numbers of people employed in the construction sector. The CSO labour force survey of Q3 2023 shows when compared with pre-covid levels of Q3 2019 the total employment in the sector has grown by 17,600.
The Department works with sectoral partners such as SOLAS, to increase skills supply through the current network of skills provision available across the tertiary education system in order to tackle climate and housing issues.
We are expanding the number of apprentices we train. There is a significant expansion of the education and training pipeline for construction-related courses. Development processes are in place for employers/sectors who wish to assess the potential for new apprenticeships. In recent years, annual intake in construction and construction-related apprenticeships has steadily increased. As of the end of December 2023, there have been 4946 registrations on construction programmes and 848 registrations on construction-related programmes. Overall that is a 3% increase of registrations on 2022’s figures. This year the construction and construction related apprentice population has surpassed 20,000 for the year, again an increase on 2022’s figures.
Increased funding for apprenticeships increases the total capacity of the apprenticeship system and will reduce the time that apprentices wait for training. Budget 2024 provides €67m (€57m in core funding and €10m temporary) which will provide core investment into the apprenticeship system.
The department is aware of that the labour market is challenging both domestically and internationally and is aiming to ensure provision in that context. The Report on the Analysis of Skills for Residential Construction & Retrofitting 2023–2030 outlined our labour market requirement at over 50,000 new entrants into the construction sector for that period to meet our housing and retrofitting targets and this Department has put reporting and monitoring arrangements in place to ensure we are providing the appropriate skills response.
In total there were 23 actions to be delivered on the report. The actions established the pathways to implement NZEB/retrofitting provision and training and begin the process of introducing MMC. In particular the recommendations and actions arising from the report allowed us to look at recruitment. With the Department of Social Protection (DSP) we have held 13 national events in the last quarter. Internationally over the last year we have held events in South Africa and the UK. We’ve also promoted Irish construction vacancies in Finland at their EURES event.
In August 2023, the Department published the Careers in Construction Action Plan. The 20 actions in the plan are aimed at minimising barriers to construction careers, promoting career opportunities and making construction jobs more attractive to women. This involves structural changes in the sector, training and upskilling, and promotional activity. To assist in the promotional goals of the Careers in Construction Action Plan, funding has been granted for a number of initiatives under the 2024 Housing for All Implementation Fund, including a peer-to-peer social media campaign to recruit young adults to the sector and a documentary on working in the sector.
In terms of innovation, the greater adoption of MMC would be expected to lessen the projected increased need in labour demand so it is imperative that we continue to invest in projects such as National Demonstration Park in Mount Lucas.
NZEB and retrofitting are significant part of the labour market requirements going forward and a good example of how industry, the department and agencies have worked together to maximise capacity. We have now established a national network of 6 Centres of Excellence in our ETBs to roll out the skills required to improve energy efficiency in the built environment. But we must ensure that skills provision in this area continues to keep pace with developments in technology and building regulations. To this end, my Department secured €200,000 in Budget 2024 to allow SOLAS to undertake work to update NZEB/Retrofit course curricula.
NZEB courses are free, fast and flexible with weekend and evening provision available. Courses are available both to beginners and those who already have relevant experience and knowledge. Course duration varies between 1 and 5 days, depending on the knowledge and skills required by the individual, and they are free and flexible for learners, with weekend and evening provision available. Online/ remote options are also available. In many cases, where a person has an existing construction-related qualification, knowledge or experience, they can learn these skills quickly, usually within three-four days.
With the Government’s commitment to Housing for All and the initiatives provided by the Department and partners there are clear pathways to careers in construction, which will help to increase capacity within the sector.
111. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether he is aware that there are only 83 apprentices in final phase in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2022/24]
View answerAt the end of December 2023, there was a live population of 212 apprentices at Phase 7 of their programmes in the Cork Educational Training Board area. Further detail is provided by apprenticeship programme in the attached table.
112. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on collaboration between Irish institutes of higher education with counterparts in Israel. [1938/24]
View answerIn response to a request from my Department, Irish Universities have reported the following collaborations with Israeli higher education institutions: -
Trinity College Dublin - Erasmus agreements at School/Department level with the Hebrew University Jerusalem (partnership with Department of Near & Middle Eastern Studies) and Bar Ilan University (partnership with School of Religion, Theology, & Peace Studies)
St Nicholas Montessori College - Erasmus student and staff mobility with the Gordon Academic College of Education
University College Cork - Horizon Europe multi-partner research grants and academic co-authorships.
University College Dublin (UCD) - Research project with Tel Aviv University and academic mobility of students and staff in partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
University of Galway (UG) - 6 research partnerships with Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Machba - Interuniversity Computation Center, Tel Aviv University, Ben-Gurion University Of The Negev, University Of Haifa and Technion - Israel Institute Of Technology.
113. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of persons who have graduated as nurses in the State in each of the past ten years. [1895/24]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is contained in the attached spreadsheet, the data was sourced from the HEA student records system and is rounded to the nearest 5.
114. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of efforts to progress the Research and Innovation Bill 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1440/24]
View answerThe Research and Innovation Bill was approved by Government for publication in December 2023. The Bill was published on the 8th of January. It is available from the Bills Office, or to view on the Oireachtas website, and on my Department's website. The Research and Innovation Bill will take Second Stage in the Dáil in the coming weeks.
115. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the progress being made with regard to the Swords College of the Future project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1439/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question.
The Deputy will be aware that Dublin Dun Laoghaire ETB (DDLETB) have been working with and supported by SOLAS in developing their preliminary business case proposal for Swords under the College of the Future Major Projects fund for the last number of months. The development of a robust Preliminary Business Case (PBC) is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines (Formerly known as the Public Spending Code guidelines).
Completed preliminary business cases including that of Dublin Dun Laoghaire ETB were to be submitted to SOLAS by the deadline of last Friday, the 12th of January. These business cases will be evaluated under criteria such as value for money, affordability and strategic policy and priority alignment, in line with the requirements of the infrastructure guidelines. ETBs will be informed of the outcome of this evaluation process once it is completed. Officials from my department and SOLAS have also met with DDLETB and the Local Authority representatives at the end of last year to explore site options for their proposal and the identification of a suitable site by DDL ETB is ongoing.
The proposal put forward by DDLETB is expected to encompass the transformation FET provision in the area by developing a state-of-the-art further education campus to facilitate a 1,000-place college, and enabling an additional 6,000 beneficiaries of FET annually in the region to drive its economic growth and social development.
