Questions and answers published after July 2012 can be viewed here. Viewing by Government Department is possible by term or specific dates from March 2016 onwards. Written answers are published as received from departments. To see parliamentary questions published before July 2012, search in Dáil debates.
Questions and answers for Dáil or Seanad term
Page 2 of 147
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Public Sector Staff
Ruairí Ó Murchú
42. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made to resolve the terms and conditions of employment of personal assistants who work in some education and training boards; the timeline for when the issue is expected to be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23179/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Student Accommodation
Bernard Durkan
43. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which provision is being made or will be made to meet the full requirement of student accommodation adjacent to schools or colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23226/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Education Policy
Bernard Durkan
44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which a continuous supply of graduates in the academic and technical areas is provided for in order to meet requirements of industry and education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23227/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Apprenticeship Programmes
Alan Farrell
45. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on efforts to increase the number of apprenticeship spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22756/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Technological Universities
Seán Canney
46. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the STEM building planned for the Galway campus of Atlantic Technological University will be proceeding to construction; the timeline for the completion of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23176/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Grant Payments
Pauline Tully
47. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider altering the residency rule for the student grant scheme to enable a person to qualify for the grant is they can show that they have been resident in the State for at least two years out of the five-year period ending on the day before their course starts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23286/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Further and Higher Education
Catherine Connolly
48. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 45 of 27 February 2024, the status of the proposed new further education college in Galway city; the status of the review by SOLAS and his Department of the project proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23052/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Grant Payments
Fergus O'Dowd
285. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he plans to alter the statutory instrument to include Ballyfermot College of Further Education as an approved provider of third level programmes in Ireland for SUSI grant maintenance funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23326/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Apprenticeship Programmes
Mairéad Farrell
286. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of craft instructors recruited as part of his national recruitment campaign to hire an additional 100 craft apprentice instructors. [23351/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Apprenticeship Programmes
Mairéad Farrell
287. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of craft apprentices currently employed by the ESB and Bord na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23352/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Apprenticeship Programmes
Mairéad Farrell
288. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he plans to introduce a special purpose apprenticeship in modern methods of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23353/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Grant Payments
Mairéad Farrell
289. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his future plans with regard to any potential changes in the SUSI grant system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23367/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Tax Code
Paul Murphy
290. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of the discriminatory practices against further education and training staff in comparison to staff in compulsory education in terms of taxation (details supplied); if he will ensure that this issue is resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23377/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
State Bodies
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
291. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of planners in SOLAS; and the number of architects in SOLAS as at 17 May 2024. [23413/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Departmental Advertising
Carol Nolan
292. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total costs incurred by his Department from 2019 to date relating to the placing of advertisements in online/digital media platforms; the names of the online platforms involved, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23447/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Grant Payments
Bernard Durkan
293. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken or the steps he proposes to take to assist applicants for higher education courses who are being refused higher education funding or a back to education allowance on the grounds that they have previously studied or completed a course at a similar level on the NFQ, despite the fact that their existing qualification is deemed to be insufficient to meet the requirements of the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23487/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Education Policy
Bernard Durkan
294. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he expects to influence the higher education system to ensure the ongoing availability of a steady stream of highly qualified technicians and academics on par with the best in the world, thus providing a workforce competent in the skills now required in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23488/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Education Policy
Bernard Durkan
295. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his vision for the further and higher education, research, innovation and science sector, with particular reference to the need to compete on the international market for available job vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23489/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Education Policy
Bernard Durkan
296. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which the higher-level education sector is in discussion with business and enterprise, with a view to matching requirements in the workplace with suitable graduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23490/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Bullying in Educational Institutions
Bernard Durkan
297. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department continues to monitor incidents of bullying in the workplace throughout the higher education system; the extent to which action has been taken or is proposed to deal with such issues in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23491/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Education Policy
Bernard Durkan
298. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which he expects science to play an increased role in the higher education sector, with particular reference to ensuring an adequate number of graduates to meet the demands of the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23492/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Third Level Costs
Bernard Durkan
299. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which higher education costs have increased over the past number of years; the extent of financial assistance now available for all students seeking to avail of third-level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23493/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Education Policy
Bernard Durkan
300. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he and his Department have identified any specific obstacles which may impede improvement and achievement in the further and higher educational sectors and impact our ability to continue to establish Ireland’s reputation as equal to the best globally in higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23494/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Education Policy
Bernard Durkan
301. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he and his Department have identified particular requirements in terms of apprenticeships or higher qualifications in education throughout the country to meet such requirements in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23495/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Education Policy
Bernard Durkan
302. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he and his Department propose to further broaden higher education opportunities for undergraduates here, with a view to maximisation of their opportunities in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23496/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Legislative Measures
Mairéad Farrell
303. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the date he and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform will introduce amending legislation to address the issue of 51-week leases in investment owned student accommodation. [23349/24]
Thu, 23 May 2024
written
Apprenticeship Programmes
Mairéad Farrell
304. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of craft apprentices currently waiting to undertake phase 2, 4 and 6 off-the-job training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23350/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Apprenticeship Programmes
Mairéad Farrell
205. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of 27 February 2024 (details supplied), if he can confirm how much of the €67 million in additional funding that was provided for the apprenticeship system was allocated toward the national recruitment campaign of craft apprentice instructors; the number of instructors hired to date; can he provide a breakdown of the course areas they are instructing on (i.e., electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc.); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23031/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Apprenticeship Programmes
Mairéad Farrell
206. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if specific targets have been set for the national recruitment campaign to hire an additional 100 craft apprentice instructors per ETB; if so, the number of instructors it is hoped to hire per ETB; the areas of teaching that is, electrical, carpentry and so on, they will be engaged in, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23040/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Employment Rights
Joe Flaherty
207. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if adult literacy tutors that opt not to convert to adult educator under the terms of the new contract being offered by the Department will maintain their current entitlement to sign on for unemployment benefit during periods when they are not timetabled to deliver courses in the adult literacy service run by education and training boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23049/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Education Policy
Aindrias Moynihan
208. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagement he has had directly with secondary schools in promoting traditional trades and apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23079/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Student Accommodation
Aindrias Moynihan
209. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures he is taking to ensure sufficient supply of student accommodation for third level students for 2024/2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23080/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Departmental Funding
Aindrias Moynihan
210. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an increase in funding to third level institutions under the student assistance fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23081/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Public Sector Pay
Michael Creed
211. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of an anomaly with regard to staff employed at a location (details supplied) regarding apprenticeship education; if he accepts that the principle of equal pay and allowances for equal work should apply in respect of all staff doing the same work; if, in the circumstances, he can indicate how this issue might be satisfactorily addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23095/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Public Sector Pay
Jennifer Whitmore
212. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware that subsistence paid to further education and training staff working as external authenticators is subject to tax, that tax does not apply to the same subsistence paid to staff engaged directly by the State Examinations Commission; the reason for the disparity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23143/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Grant Payments
Louise O'Reilly
213. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 701 of 23 April 2024, to provide further detail in relation to the upcoming roll-out of the SUSI grant pilot scheme for part-time courses; the number of courses that will be eligible for the scheme; which courses or range of courses will be covered; when the scheme will open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23147/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Education and Training Boards
Paul Donnelly
214. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how many instructors are employed by Dublin-Dún Laoghaire Education Training Board to conduct cybersecurity associate level 6 apprenticeship training in the years of 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form.
[23242/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Capital Expenditure Programme
Paul Donnelly
215. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the 2023 and 2024 Capital Budget allocation to the Higher Education Authority for works projects under the higher education capacity building process; and the amount and percentage of the 2023 Capital Budget allocation that was actually spent. [23243/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Public Sector Pay
Holly Cairns
216. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there exists a discrepancy in how travel and subsistence payments are taxed for those carrying out examinations as part of FET, as compared with those working for the State Examinations Commission; and if so, to provide a reasoning for these arrangements. [23283/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Public Sector Pay
Holly Cairns
217. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of FET examiners currently available to carry out examinations; and to provide a numerical list of available examiners between 2021 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [23284/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Education Schemes
Michael Creed
648. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a HEAR grant application (details supplied) has been turned down; if his Department was aware of the personal circumstances of the applicant when refusing the grant and if the case will be reviewed. [22931/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Education Schemes
Michael Creed
649. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the range of assistance available for a student at third level (details supplied). [22932/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Medical Qualifications
Brendan Howlin
650. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 318 of 2 May 2024, if it is his intention, in conjunction with the Minister for Health, to develop a strategic plan to provide the optimum number of healthcare professionals, including dentistry, to serve in the health service; if such a strategy would take account of the number of non-Irish students trained in healthcare in Irish universities who intend to return to their home country after graduation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22354/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Grant Payments
Cian O'Callaghan
651. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason SUSI will only reassess an applicant moving applicant class dependent to independent student after there is a three year break in studies, where that student is a mature student and living independently from their parents or guardians; does this policy discourage movement from level 8 to masters study; if this policy will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22381/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Grant Payments
Cian O'Callaghan
652. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if SUSI has altered their independent living criteria to account for people availing of the rent-a-room scheme where they cannot provide the current necessary proof of residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22382/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Apprenticeship Programmes
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
653. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of new apprenticeship registrations in 2023 and to date in 2024, by type and by year in tabular form. [22422/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Apprenticeship Programmes
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
654. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship completions between 2014 and 2024, by type and by year in tabular form. [22423/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Apprenticeship Programmes
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
655. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship dropouts between 2014 and 2024 by level of completion, by type and by year in tabular form. [22424/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Medical Qualifications
Peadar Tóibín
656. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of places for medical students in Irish universities for each of the past ten years; and how many of these are used for international students. [22467/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Nursing Education
Peadar Tóibín
657. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of places for student nurses in Irish universities for each of the past ten years; and how many of these are used for international students. [22469/24]