Parliamentary questions

Third Level Education

John McGuinness

1363. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when a person (details supplied) will be called to college as he is 18 months into his electrical apprenticeship; and if he will be given a place in Kilkenny. [27763/23]

Third Level Education

Michael McNamara

1364. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has been offered technological university-transformation funding for only one year from August 2023, in contrast to the four years' funding provided to Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin); if his Department will work with the HEA to ensure the proposed one-year post-merger funding for ATU will be increased to four-year post-merger funding, in line with TU Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27785/23]

Third Level Education

John Lahart

1365. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the Oireachtas direct line contact details for Solas (details supplied). [27792/23]

Technological Universities

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

1366. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he can provide an update with regard to the Technological University Development Fund, the proposed successor to the Technological University Transformation (TUT) Fund; if this fund will be made available in advance of the expiration of the TUT Fund on 31 August 2023, specifically in relation to the position of IR facilitators, who are employed on a seconded basis under this fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27838/23]

Veterinary Services

Claire Kerrane

1367. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when a further update will be provided regarding the establishment of a new veterinary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27897/23]

Third Level Education

Mairéad Farrell

1368. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how he intends the Committees of the Board, known as Councils, as part of the new national research agency referenced in the Research and Innovation Bill 2023, will operate; if they should be mandatory to ensure diversity of expertise and advice in relation to excellence in research and innovation and research priorities, including representing researchers at all career stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27905/23]

Third Level Education

Mairéad Farrell

1369. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to the issue of precarious employment in the university sector, he will be aware that the Employment Control framework managed by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Delivery Plan Development and Reform has been in place since the austerity period, and although reviewed annually as part of the estimates process, hinders long-term planning and contributes to the use of short-term casual contracts, how does he plan to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27906/23]

Departmental Meetings

Pauline Tully

1370. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has met with the CEO of an organisation (details supplied) to date in 2023; when he is next scheduled to meet the CEO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27921/23]

Third Level Education

Brendan Howlin

1371. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review the SUSI grant application case of a person (details supplied) on the basis of fairness and justice where the special rate maintenance grant payable heretofore to family members whose father was in receipt of the working family payment and who last year, through illness, was out of work and in receipt of illness benefit, which is not characterised as a long-term social welfare payment and therefore does not qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant; if he accepts that this is totally unjust; if he will address this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27933/23]

Appointments to State Boards

Seán Sherlock

1372. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the procedure that was followed in the appointment of the CEO of the new agency to be created arising from the anticipated amalgamation of SFI and the IRC. [27938/23]

Industrial Relations

Fergus O'Dowd

1373. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update in respect of the engagement between unions representing personal assistants in ETBs and his Department in relation to their long-term working conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27940/23]

Student Accommodation

Sorca Clarke

1374. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagement he has had with TUS, Athlone in relation to student accommodation for the upcoming academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27951/23]

Departmental Expenditure

Rose Conway-Walsh

1375. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total spend on consulting services and on ‘business-as-usual’ outsourcing, as differentiated under the Code of ‘Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016’ for each non-commercial public body under the aegis of his Department for the year 2022. [27964/23]

Technological Universities

Pearse Doherty

1376. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update with regard to the technological university development fund, the proposed successor to the technological university transformation (TUT) fund; if this fund will be made available in advance of the expiration of the TUT fund on 31 August 2023, specifically in relation to the position of IR facilitators, who are employed on a seconded basis under this fund [28005/23]

Third Level Costs

Violet-Anne Wynne

1377. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of covering subscription costs of publishing and access for HEIs across Ireland with the aim of open access for all students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28120/23]

Departmental Funding

Dara Calleary

1378. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update with regard to the technological university development fund, the proposed successor to the technological university transformation (TUT) fund; if this fund will be made available in advance of the expiration of the TUT fund on 31 August 2023; the level of funding that is going to be made available under the new TUT fund; if the TUs who merged more recently be treated equally with the TUs who merged earlier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28157/23]

Departmental Data

Catherine Murphy

1379. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of staff seconded to his Department from a company (details supplied) in the past ten years to date; the title and/or role they filled; and the duration of same. [28179/23]

Departmental Data

Catherine Murphy

1380. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of instances in which his Department availed of services and or consultancy and or advices from a company (details supplied) in the past ten years to date; the costs of same; the number of contracts between the company and his Department; and the duration and costs of same. [28198/23]

Third Level Education

Colm Burke

1381. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason universities that are providing courses in radiation therapy have not increased their student capacity (details supplied); if consideration will be given to increasing the student capacity for this course in the two colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28221/23]

Third Level Education

Colm Burke

1382. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how second level students could be further incentivised to consider a career as a radiation therapist, given that in Ireland 54% of the population have attained a third level education, which demonstrates that the majority of the current second level students will consider attending third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28233/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

James Lawless

1383. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28341/23]

Further and Higher Education

Pauline Tully

1384. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 1 June 2023, to detail what additionality he has secured in conjunction with the Higher Education Authority in Health and social care professional undergraduate programmes for September 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28503/23]

Further and Higher Education

Pauline Tully

1385. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 1 June 2023, if the working group established by his Department has established how additional placements can be secured to facilitate greater numbers of training places on health and social care professional programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28504/23]

Further and Higher Education

Pauline Tully

1386. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 1 June 2023, the timeframe within which the Higher Education Authority will conduct an exercise to identify where substantial additional capacity could be built in priority health and social care professional disciplines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28505/23]

Grant Payments

Colm Burke

1387. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a change of circumstances of reckonable income was not taken into consideration for a student's (details supplied) SUSI application as the student's father's pension increased year-on-year and the family requested for their application to be re-assessed under a change in circumstances of reckonable income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28564/23]

Data Protection

Peadar Tóibín

1388. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the security protections in place for remote workers within civil and public service organisations to safeguard against personal information of members of the public in audio, text and electronic form being inadvertently exposed to unauthorised third parties within the remote setting; if he can provide a copy of the remote working best practice guidelines for civil and public service workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28644/23]

Student Accommodation

Mairéad Farrell

81. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline his plans for student accommodation, in terms of both digs and vacancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25327/23]

Third Level Education

Cathal Berry

82. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how he intends to ensure that PhD students receive a living wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26969/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mairéad Farrell

83. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline his plans to increase the throughput of apprentices in the ETB system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25328/23]

Irish Language

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

84. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is forward planning to help to fulfil the provisions set out in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021, and in particular the objective that 20% of staff recruited to the public service by 2030 will be proficient in the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26680/23]

Further and Higher Education

Brian Leddin

85. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps his Department is taking to ensure that there is a sufficient increase in capacity in veterinary schools in Ireland to meet the growing demand for vets and reduce reliance on education abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25295/23]

Third Level Costs

Alan Farrell

86. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will detail the work he is undertaking with regard to reducing the cost of third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26755/23]

Student Accommodation

Pádraig O'Sullivan

87. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure there will be sufficient student accommodation ahead of the next academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26589/23]

Third Level Education

Paul Murphy

88. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to ensure that students who secure a third level place are not prevented from taking-up their place as a result of the housing and cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26709/23]

Further and Higher Education

Brendan Smith

89. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is satisfied that sufficient courses in cybersecurity are available in the further and higher education sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26397/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Thomas Gould

90. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices currently enrolled in Cork; and the number targeted for 2023-24. [26653/23]

Legislative Programme

Mairéad Farrell

91. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to his new Research and Innovation Bill 2023, the reason there was no public consultation with the third-level research sector; and if he will meet with representatives as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill. [25330/23]

Student Accommodation

Bernard Durkan

92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which the accommodation needs of students seeking third or fourth level accommodation for the forthcoming academic year are likely to be met in full or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26651/23]

Third Level Education

Colm Burke

93. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department and third-level colleges have engaged with the HSE and the Department of Health with a view to increasing the number of radiation therapy training places, taking into account that there are only 42 places at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26602/23]

Research and Development

Denis Naughten

94. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps which he intends to take to improve the interface between the wider research community and Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16973/23]

Education Policy

Bernard Durkan

95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he continues to pursue the expansion of the academic and technical syllabus to cater for the requirements now and in the future, having particular regard to the changing job specifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26652/23]

National Training Fund

David Stanton

96. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has considered establishing a centralised information system for the National Training Fund to allow for students, professors, guidance counsellors and industry bodies to view, not only possible funding or research opportunities, but clearly defined possible career paths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26608/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Violet-Anne Wynne

97. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will give consideration to the establishment of an apprenticeship centre of excellence in west Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26690/23]

Further and Higher Education

Pauline Tully

98. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 30 March 2023, if he will indicate in which academic year the additional academic places will be introduced in therapy disciplines resulting from the expression of interest process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26739/23]

Further and Higher Education

Richard Bruton

99. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has examined the impact of initiatives designed to respond to emerging skill needs, such as Springboard, Human Capital Initiative, and Skillnet; and the lessons that can be drawn for policy development from them. [26606/23]

Research and Development

Willie O'Dea

100. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the national review of State supports for PhD researchers; the outcome of the recent consultation on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26609/23]

Third Level Education

Mark Ward

101. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he plans to increase the number of places in third level education for mental health that would escalate the number of professionals entering mental health care. [26484/23]

Further and Higher Education

Mairéad Farrell

102. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will further outline hisplans to expand SUSI eligibility to part-time students, as has been reported in the media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26711/23]

Student Accommodation

Aindrias Moynihan

103. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures that are being taken to ensure affordable on-campus student accommodation for the upcoming college semester in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26713/23]

Third Level Fees

Richard Boyd Barrett

104. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will use the opportunity of Budget 2024 to abolish all registration and tuition fees for undergraduate students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26744/23]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Brendan Smith

105. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress to date in advancing collaboration on a North/South basis in the provision of further education throughout this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26398/23]

Technological Universities

John McGuinness

106. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason there is no clear objective in the South East Technological University Strategic Plan 2023-2028 to deliver a campus in Kilkenny city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26738/23]

Third Level Staff

Mairéad Farrell

107. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the work his Department is carrying out to address precarious work conditions for PhD researchers and early year academics; if he has engaged with some of the representative groups in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26710/23]

Further and Higher Education

Matt Carthy

108. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on the process of selecting a higher education institute to facilitate increased capacity in veterinary medicine. [26749/23]

Further and Higher Education

Brendan Griffin

109. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a progress update on the Kerry ETB campus at a site (details supplied) in Killarney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26668/23]

Third Level Staff

Richard Boyd Barrett

110. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he intends in Budget 2024 to ensure that all PhD researchers receive a stipend of at least the living wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26743/23]

Further and Higher Education

Brendan Griffin

111. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider third-level registration fees and post-graduate fees with a view to making it easier for people to improve their educational qualifications. [26669/23]

Research and Development

Denis Naughten

112. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current status of Ireland's application to join CERN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16972/23]

Further and Higher Education

Aindrias Moynihan

113. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what factors influence the availability of college places; how much weight he is giving to industry needs, for example the construction and hospitality sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26714/23]

Further and Higher Education

Willie O'Dea

114. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the distribution of the devolved capital grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26610/23]

Further and Higher Education

Mairéad Farrell

115. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to expand the list of courses that are taught through the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26712/23]

Student Accommodation

Paul Donnelly

116. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has interacted with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to a campaign; and if he will give a commitment to further engage with it in relation to accommodation and the cost of collage and cost-of-living crisis. [26377/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Richard Bruton

117. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he plans to engage with key sectors, including the public service, in order to develop a single portal where people can not only get information about apprenticeship options, but apply to participate in a centralised recruitment process for such sectors. [26607/23]

Further and Higher Education

David Stanton

118. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline the value of the National Training Fund, his further plans for the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26611/23]

Further and Higher Education

Éamon Ó Cuív

119. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he intends on setting up a dedicated fund within his allocation to the Higher Education Authority to fund courses that would be taught through the medium of the Irish language, in order to ensure that it will be possible to fully implement the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25488/23]

Technological Universities

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

120. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has considered creating the role of professor within the new technological universities in order that these institutions might fulfil their research ambitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26681/23]

Further and Higher Education

Catherine Connolly

121. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 30 March 2023, if he will provide a status update on the proposed new further education college in Galway city; the status of the development of the preliminary business case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26560/23]

Further and Higher Education

Holly Cairns

122. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to reform the SUSI application process. [26396/23]

Third Level Admissions

Alan Farrell

123. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on efforts to reform the CAO system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26754/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

James O'Connor

124. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the three new farming apprenticeships launched in September 2022; the uptake of places on these apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26677/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Colm Burke

125. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the action he has taken to date in increasing apprenticeship places, as well as their starting remuneration; his upcoming plans in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26603/23]

Third Level Education

Mark Ward

126. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the conversations he and his Department have had with the Department of Health in relation to increasing clinical spaces in mental health care to allow and develop the amount of mental health spaces at third level. [26485/23]

Third Level Education

Éamon Ó Cuív

127. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if it is intended to ensure a fair regional spread of new courses in pharmacy and veterinary medicine, in view of the Government’s commitments to balanced regional development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25489/23]

Further and Higher Education

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

128. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the distribution of the devolved capital grant; the amount that has been allocated to the Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26699/23]

Further and Higher Education

Thomas Gould

129. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has met with University College Cork and Munster Technological University with a view to developing a third-level campus on the northside of Cork city. [26654/23]

Further and Higher Education

Matt Carthy

130. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to develop and support further and higher education in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26748/23]

Third Level Fees

Mairéad Farrell

131. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans in relation to student fees, and how reductions could be used to ease the cost-of-living for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26718/23]

Third Level Costs

Pádraig O'Sullivan

132. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on his recent meeting with student and stakeholder groups to discuss reducing the cost of third level education; when he expects the options paper to be published; the other measures he and his Department are examining to reduce the costs for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26588/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Alan Dillon

133. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on apprenticeships; his plans to address the backlogs in the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26655/23]

Third Level Staff

Paul Murphy

134. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to ensure that a living wage is provided to all PhD workers and to end precarity for academic workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26708/23]

Third Level Fees

Richard Boyd Barrett

135. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the changes he intends to make to student fees in Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26746/23]

Further and Higher Education

Peadar Tóibín

136. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of spaces available on the third-level access course in each of the past five years and in the next academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25798/23]

Student Accommodation

Holly Cairns

137. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline his engagement with Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage concerning the provision of student accommodation. [26395/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Catherine Connolly

138. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 728 of 9 May 2023, the details of any engagement he or his Department has had with local authorities around the country in 2022 and to date in 2023 with a view to increasing the number of apprenticeships in local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26561/23]

Student Accommodation

Richard Boyd Barrett

139. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if Budget 2024 will include measures to ensure that student accommodation is affordable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26747/23]

Further and Higher Education

Peadar Tóibín

140. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has undertaken a study to determine if there is any disparity in rates of youth emigration across different graduate groups based on their area of study or qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25799/23]

Further and Higher Education

Richard Boyd Barrett

141. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will ensure in Budget 2024 that all three streams of PhD psychology students are fully-funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26745/23]

Further and Higher Education

Pauline Tully

142. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has plans to increase the number of places on courses related to health and social care on the accelerated graduate programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26740/23]

Third Level Costs

Cathal Berry

384. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how he intends to reduce the cost of attending third level education for the academic year 2023-2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26970/23]

Third Level Education

Mairéad Farrell

385. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline his plans in relation to expanding the teaching of university courses through the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25329/23]

Further and Higher Education

Alan Dillon

386. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the discussions on pay grades for adult education tutors (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26761/23]

Education and Training Boards

Alan Dillon

387. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide clarification on the differences in pay arrangements across the education and training boards for adult education tutors; the specific differences that exist; how they are being addressed to ensure consistency and fairness in remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26795/23]

Further and Higher Education

Alan Dillon

388. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the claim to align adult education tutors with a pay scale of an existing grade in ETBs; the progress that has been made in identifying the scale of cost and making an offer within the parameters set by FEMPI legislation and the Public Service Stability Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26796/23]

Third Level Fees

Ivana Bacik

389. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for changes to the student contribution charge for undergraduate fees in the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26811/23]

Qualifications Recognition

Paul Murphy

390. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will confirm whether every new candidate will have to hold QQI certification as part of the new licence system for construction workers; and if so, if Solas and QQI will reimburse those who have to pay for the course and certification, including any wages lost for the time taken to complete the course. [26848/23]

Further and Higher Education

Steven Matthews

391. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding funding for a project (details supplied); if he will outline a timeline for a support framework to be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26849/23]

Departmental Bodies

Rose Conway-Walsh

392. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a full list of public bodies under the aegis of his Department; and Oireachtas contact details for each. [26913/23]

Third Level Education

Bernard Durkan

393. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he continues to research future requirements in the education sector with a view to ensuring an adequate supply of graduates throughout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26995/23]

Third Level Education

Bernard Durkan

394. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the most obvious likely shortages of graduates in the future to meet the demands for the academic sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26996/23]

Third Level Education

Bernard Durkan

395. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the most obvious likely shortages of graduates in the future to meet the demands for the technical sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26997/23]